I've run one marathon in life - the NYC Marathon back in 2015. Since moving to London, a goal of mine was always to also complete the London Marathon, but throughout my time here I had a number of personal struggles that had quite the impact on my life - one being a rare stomach disease that affected my health and physical and mental wellbeing for quite some time and had various impacts on my life here in London. They suspected I was born with this, and things just took a turn during these years of my life living and working overseas.

Now that I am healthy and much stronger, I REALLY felt this was the time to run the 2020 London Marathon and to run for Sparks, a charity that funds pioneering research across the UK helping to find new treatments and cures for children and families who desperately need them. Sparks focuses on diseases like cancers and Down’s syndrome, which my family has been affected by (see picture of my amazing cousin Jeff who was born down syndrome, and my cousin Ryan who passed away from cancer). Plus the charity stands for 'Sports People Aiding Research for Kids,' was started by football/ soccer legend, Jimmy Hill and begin by mostly sports associated fundraising - so as a soccer player for most of my life, I love this and further resonate with this charity. 

I would really appreciate if you could contribute to my raising of funds to support me and for all those children that have to face rare diseases that could really use some help.

Xo, Kelly