Lung conditions are the third biggest killer in the UK, yet too little is being done to prevent, treat, and cure them. Which is why I am running the Shakespeare Half Marathon to raise money for Asthma + Lung UK, to join the fight for everyone’s right to breathe.

I will be running the Shakespeare in memory of my nanny who lived with COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) for over a decade before she sadly passed in 2019. Every £40 raised could go towards an hour of the best research to find new solutions for the biggest challenges in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of lung conditions.

As someone who has always hated running and hadn’t run more than 5km until the end of January 2025, taking on the challenge to run 21.1km will be a real test of strength and determination. However, this is nothing compared to the daily challenges faced by those living with lung conditions.