Last year I lost my lovely Bampa, in a moment overcome with grief I was sat on by sofa watching the Great North Run on the telly -upset, angry and hurting. I saw people running in memory of their loved ones with smiles on their faces, making a difference and creating a positive movement from something so desperately sad. I was inspired. I went online applied to run for the British Lung Foundation, the only UK charity looking after the nations lungs. Well, here I am.. A member of #TeamBreathe running 26.2 miles for my Bampa in London Marathon 2020. 

Known to some as Gar, Gareth or 'Tarzan'. A very physical man as I had always remembered, deteriorated infront of our eyes. He was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. 1 in 5 people in the UK has a lung condition. That means 10,000 new diagnoses per week. Every pound I'm able to raise will take us a step closer to a world without lung disease. 

My own Dad has also been diagnosed with COPD, I am so desperate for time to not repeat itself and lose another family member to Lung Disease.

Thanks for taking the time to read my story. 

Jess xx