In 2014, I became an aunty to the beautiful Sophia Lily Capstick, she was truly my world. Sophia spent the first 6 weeks of her life in hospital before she could be brought home, as a family we were hopeful she was starting to get better. At Christmas,  Sophia stopped breathing and began to have seizures, she spent the build up to Christmas fighting before being allowed to come home, sadly we all knew that would be our only Christmas with her.  Sophia rapidly deteriated and sadly lost her fight with Mitochondrial Disease on the 22nd May 2015 with her short life of only 8 months being spent with constant medical intervention or at hospitals. As a family, we had never heard of Mitochondrial disease, a disease which is more common than children's cancer and unfortunately, has no treatment or cure.

We were fortunate to find The Lily Foundation, founded in Lily's memory, having lost her battle to Mitochondrial Disease at just eight months old. The charity aims to give hope, answers and support to the many other children and families that face the challenges of this disease today. Thanks to the Lily Foundation's amazing research, medical advances and support to the family, we welcomed my nephew, Finn Lucas Capstick in August 2018.

However, the amazing children and families I've met through The Lily Foundation are facing a constant battle which sadly, has no hope of a happier ending. No child, adult or family should have to face the cruel fate of Mitochondrial disease, every child should be able to play with their friends, run outside and grow up healthy and have the amazing opportunities so many of us take for granted.

I'm running the London Marathon for Sophia, The Lily Foundation, the families and children I've met as well as my own personal challenge. The loss of Sophia, inspired me to be a better person, step outside of my comfort zone, taking me from being over weight and inactive, to a confident runner with a greater appreciation for life. This is still a huge physical and mental challenge, but working with a running coach, I’m giving it my absolute all.  Please support my fundraising and journey, a small donation has the power to make a valuable difference to The Lily Foundation and the families they support.