In 2012 and 2018, I completed the London marathon in memory of Rianna Wingett. 

Rianna was a year 7 student at the school I taught in at the time. She was slim, fit and just 11 years old when she collapsed and died after completing a cross- country run in her PE lesson in 2009. It was later found that she had an undiagnosed heart condition that if screened for, could’ve been treated. 

I was only in my first year of PE teaching at the time but throughout the past 13 years of my career, I often think of Rianna and that day. She was a truly wonderful girl and keeping her memory alive continues to be so important to me. 

Taking on the mammoth challenge of running the marathon again, was certainly one I said I’d never do again but here I am!  Please don’t think that running this will be easy for me as I have done it before. It most definitely will not be. I am 5 years older than the last time and have had 2 ACL reconstructions on my knee. At the time of writing this, I have a torn meniscus in my other knee. Training and completing this again will be a massive challenge for me. 

Heart UK are a brilliant charity and I hope you can see the importance of the wonderful work they do to try and prevent this type of tragedy happening to any other families. 

Any money you could spare to help me to reach my target and support this amazing charity, would be so appreciated. I am very aware that this is the third time I have asked friends and families for donations. Thank you all so much for supporting me. 🥰