In November 2020 and as a complete shock, without any symptoms, I was diagnosed with a faulty mitral valve. As a keen runner and cyclist, this was not welcome or expected. Open heart surgery in March 2021 repaired the valve and I am fortunate enough to be recovered and able to run my 20th (and final) marathon in London on behalf of the British Heart Foundation.

I am forever thankful to my consultant, surgeon, hospital care team, family and friends that have helped in my recovery.

I would like my efforts in the 2022 London Marathon to help raise money for additional heart research, so that many others can benefit from treatment and return them to normal life after a similar experience.

The BHF has helped halve the number of people dying from heart and circulatory disease in the UK but sadly every day hundreds of people lose their lives. It's only thanks to support from people like us that the BHF can create new treatments and discover new cures. £24 could pay for two hours of research by an early career scientist, but every pound helps so please give what you can to help me hit my target. Thanks!