Over my life I’ve faced many health challenges often with conflicting diagnoses, not being taken seriously. In summer, I finally received a diagnosis of a rare genetic condition, Panhypogammaglobulinemia and severe primary immunodeficiency, meaning my body doesn’t produce antibodies and my immune system is severely compromised. Because this went undiagnosed for so long, I also developed bronchiectasis, a chronic lung disease. Both conditions are incurable, affect my life everyday and require lifelong treatment. Every three weeks I attend St Helier Hospital for IVIG infusions, which provide me with healthy antibodies from plasma donations. I’m extremely grateful for the care and support I’ve received since, especially from Immunodeficiency UK. When they offered me a place in the London Landmarks Marathon, I thought it would be a great opportunity to support them and raise awareness.

Any donations to Immunodefiency UK will help fund:

- The Helpline, giving families answers, reassurance, and someone who truly understands.

- Free educational resources explaining conditions, treatments and daily management.

- Mental health webinars, because living with a chronic condition can feel isolating.

- Hardship grants, easing the travel and hospital costs for those in need.

- Advocacy work, fighting for faster diagnosis and better NHS services.

I’ll be running to not only raise money, but to raise better awareness for immunodeficiency and invisible, chronic illnesses, as well as breaking down the stereotype that just because someone looks healthy young and fit on the outside doesn’t always mean that’s the case.