Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Not many of you know this about me, but I have a heart condition called congenital bicuspid aortic stenosis.  Basically, I was born with a heart valve which only opens in two out of three parts.  This valve is slowly narrowing, which restricts blood flow and has caused bulging behind the valve, called an aneurysm.  Whilst this doesn't limit most of what I do (other than making me feel like my heart will explode at 200bpm when doing cardio work), I have been told not to run any marathons or do anything too physically strenuous.

Anyone who knows me well from before I got this news, knows that I like to push the limits, to go on physical adventures and adrenaline-fueled activities are my favourite kind.  Whilst I am disappointed to have any limitations, I am so grateful to have discovered this and been given a diagnosis.  The cardiology team at Oxford's John Radcliffe Cardiac Department have been excellent at monitoring me, advising me and reassuring me about the inevitable open heart surgery someday.  

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect in the UK with thousands of babies born with a heart problem each year and hundreds of children develop a heart condition at some point after birth.  Luckily for me, I have had a very healthy, happy and active life, however, many are born with conditions which require a huge amount of care and support, including medical equipment and specialist care.

The Children’s Heart Federation (CHF) is the leading UK children’s heart charity and do a great job of supporting those affected by more serious congenital heart disease and supporting global research to try and create a brighter, healthier future.  Here is their website if you would like to know any more information:

http://www.chfed.org.uk/about-us/

I have decided to complete The Yorkshire 3 Peak Challenge, taking on the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, in under 12 hours to raise money for those less fortunate than me.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge includes:

Pen-y-Ghent (691 metres), Whernside (728 metres) and Ingleborough (723 metres). 

If you would like to help, please donate as much as you would like.  All help is hugely appreciated and will definitely spur me on to climb higher and faster! 

Time to ramp up my training...the journey starts here and I shall keep you all informed along the way.......

Thank you all for reading this. Much love xx

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