On 23rd April I’ll be taking part in the London Marathon to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, a charity that has meant a lot to me for as long as I can remember.

When I was nine years old my dad was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and the initial prognosis was not good. Fortunately, as a result of research undertaken by charities like the BHF and the subsequent care given to him by our wonderful NHS (as well as a fair amount of stubbornness on dad’s part, I expect!) he overcame the odds. 

Sadly my father-in-law, Nigel – who also lived with a heart condition for many years – passed away in 2021, so it feels like the right time to give this running thing a go and raise some money for such an important cause. I’ve no doubt that he’d think I’m mad for choosing to run a marathon but it’s too late to back out now! 

It’s estimated that in the UK more than half of us will be diagnosed with a heart or circulatory condition during our lifetime. Every donation helps to fund life changing research that can save and improve lives, keeping families together for longer.

Thank you for your support and please wish me luck – I'm going to need it!

Amber x