Mel Burden
**Mel's Marathon Mission**
Fundraising for Asthma + Lung UK
Story
I have had asthma since an early age. I'm proud that this didn't restrict me during my childhood and I was able to take participate in sports, particularly hockey and netball.
However, through my life, I've had a number of issues with my lungs in addition to asthma. I spent six months working in rural South Africa and developed Tuberculosis on my return, this was a challenge, both physically and mentally. I am a consultant nurse for infection prevention and control within the NHS and the irony of having a communicable disease while in the speciality was not lost on me! I have used this experience to ensure that patients admitted with TB and similar conditions are treated without discrimination and stigmatism.
Following the birth of my first child I was unfortunate enough to develop pneumococcal pneumonia requiring admission to hospital and ventilator support on an intensive care unit. My recovery was then complicated as a result of empyema requiring video assisted thoracoscopic surgery to remove infected fluid and place three chest drains. In addition, I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis. Again, my experience as a patient has continued to inform my practice as a nurse.
Having worked in a large hospital, co-ordinating the infection control response to COVID-19 I decided to take a 12 month career break. My husband, a Respiratory Consultant, and I worked in a hospital in New Zealand while our two daughters were educated in a local school there. Our lifestyle in New Zealand enabled me to increase my time outdoors and I completed the couch to 5k programme at the end of 2022. I have continued to run, walk and swim since returning to the UK and I am excited (but very nervous!) to be taking on the challenge of the London marathon.
1 in 5 of us will develop a lung condition during our lifetime. There's a new diagnosis every minute and I'm fundraising for Asthma + Lung UK. They’re the only UK charity that fights for everyone’s right to breathe. Every pound I'm able to raise will take us a step closer to a world where everyone has healthy lungs. Just £22 allows one of Asthma + Lung UK’s nurses to answer a call on the Helpline, offering potentially lifesaving advice. I'd be very grateful for any donations you could make!
1 in 5 of us will develop a lung condition during our lifetime. There's a new diagnosis every minute and I'm fundraising for Asthma + Lung UK. They’re the only UK charity that fights for everyone’s right to breathe. Every pound I'm able to raise will take us a step closer to a world where everyone has healthy lungs. Just £22 allows one of Asthma + Lung UK’s nurses to answer a call on the Helpline, offering potentially lifesaving advice. I'd be very grateful for any donations you could make!
Wish me luck and thank you!
Mel
