On 13 th December 1999 I underwent Open Heart Surgery to repair damage caused by septicaemia - now 20 years and two bouts of endocarditis later, I'll be attempting to run 13 miles from the studio to The Staiths cafe 🏃😵  to 'celebrate' the anniversary and raise funds for the BHF

The aim is to also raise awareness of Endocarditis... 

a condition where bacteria in the blood attacks the valves and inner wall of the heart (or in my case the bit of Pig's Heart that's in there). If left unchecked it is fatal (learn more at https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/endocarditis)

The greatest impact of endocarditis, however, is psychological - living with the constant threat of infection and wondering if every sniffle is the start of something dangerous, plus enduring the subsequent endless blood tests to make sure that it isn't! Throw into the mix knowing  the burden you're putting on those close to you, the battle between pushing yourself to be your best vs the fear of overdoing things and the pressure of 'keeping up  appearances' for those that judge  what you do on a daily basis from the outside. Living with a hidden illness is a crappy deal at times!

Everyone is welcome to join my Friday 13th nightmare for either part or the full half marathon, or to simply meet up at the cafe to celebrate.