This is the big one! 

I was lucky enough to get a ballot place in the world-famous London marathon taking place on 21st April 2024. This course distance is 26.2 miles or 42.2 km.

The event was first held in 1981 and is one of the world's six major marathons, along with the Berlin, Boston, Chicago, NYC and Toyko races.

I've decided to continue my fundraising efforts for the Carli Lansley Foundation. It's a brilliant charity and this will be its first representation at the London Marathon.

Carli sadly passed away in 2017 from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS). Carli was just 36 years old at the time of her death leaving her husband, Karl, and two young children.

Karl set up the foundation in Carli's memory to provide free ECG screenings for young people (aged 14-35). All screenings are held in the Southend area to help detect any previously undiagnosed heart conditions.

So far, around 1,600 young people have been screened and referrals have taken place for those who have abnormal results which require further investigation.

They also fund the installation of defibrillators in prime locations in the local community.