In April 2020 I got Covid, which then turned into Long Covid. For a couple of years I was housebound; I had cognitive issues, unbelievable fatigue, chest pains and many other symptoms. I had exercise intolerance and post exertional malaise which meant I could only walk a very limited number of steps a day.

Eventually I started to see glimmers of improvements. I built up my walking tolerance very slowly. I started with one length of my small garden. The next week, if I felt okay, I’d do two lengths. It took a long time! But I got there, and at last I was able to take our dog on walks.

Later I moved onto running, which I’d dreamed of doing when I was housebound. It even featured in my visualisation meditation sessions! Again, I built myself up slowly, and was able to run a mile. It then took a long time before I could do more than a mile, but once I could, I conquered Couch to 5K!

We were at home watching the London Marathon this year, and I said while watching it “I’m never doing a marathon”. Multiple times. Somehow, a few days later, my partner convinced me to enter the London Marathon ballot!! He felt it would be an amazing way to mark my recovery from Long Covid. Now that I’m doing it, I think I agree. Ask me again in April 2025!

I’m running to raise money for Action Medical Research. Their research has helped to beat polio in the UK, develop ultrasound, fight meningitis and prevent stillbirths.

Research and medical understanding for Long Covid has improved since I first had symptoms, but there is a long way to go. There is no set treatment plan. Many, many people, including children, haven’t recovered. Action Medical Research funds essential research into Long Covid in children. I hate the idea of a child going through what I’ve been through. It has been incredibly hard. If you can help by donating to this essential cause then I’d be so grateful.

It was my idea so I’ve got to run it too.

Thank you. xxx