So why am I running 26.2 miles in London in April 2019?

My Beautiful Nieces Autumn & Tia Hill:

When Autumn was 8, she had a brain tumour. Whilst having it removed she had a bleed on the brain and a huge stroke. She developed epilepsy and balance problems.  Over the next 8 years her symptoms got worse and in October 2016 the family were told Autumn had POLG a type of Mitochondrial Disease.  In June 2018 Autumn went status epilepticus, which caused swelling on the brain & a metabolic stroke that was going bilateral.  At this point she couldn't walk or see, and was placed in an induced coma in Newcastle.  She has lost 70% of her eyesight & can't walk & now takes a huge cocktail of medication daily as well as requiring round the clock care by her loving parents, sister and two brothers.

Tia, has always been rather clumsy (as well as very loud and cheeky) and has always suffered with balance issues.  Tia was tested and in January 2017 the family were told Tia had POLG, ataxia & motor & sensory neuropathies.  Thankfully Tia only has a few symptoms and is reasonably well, well enough to have plenty of banter with us all that's for sure!

Everyday in the UK a child is born who will develop mitochondrial disease, a severely life-limiting genetic condition that can affect any person at any time in their life.  Their is currently no treatment or cure.  The Lily Foundation is the UK's leading charity dedicated to fight this cruel, debilitating disease.  Their mission is to provide support for families affected by the condition and I've seen first hand the support and advice they have offered Autumn & Tia and their families and its invaluable.  Lily are also raising awareness of this condition which never knew existed until 2016, and to also help fund research into finding treatments or even better a cure.

Please support this wonderful cause and give whatever you can afford.  They don't get the same publicity of the other bigger charities and they need our help to fight this awful disease.

Thankyou for taking the time to read my story

Rich x