I've been fortunate enough to secure a place in the London Marathon 2027 to raise money for Action for A-T, a charity supporting vital research into Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T), a rare and progressive genetic condition.

This is a cause that has touched my heart through the Cotton family and their little girl, Emilia, who lives with A-T. I have worked for their family business for 17 years alongside Emilia’s dad and granddad.

Since I began running over 18 months ago I have pushed myself outside of my comfort zone taking on physical challenges I didn’t think I was capable of. The Cotton family shared the opportunity to support this incredible cause, and I jumped at the chance to take on one of the biggest challenges of my life for something that really matters.

As a mum this cause really puts things into perspective. Every parent wants to see their children grow up happy and healthy, chasing their dreams and enjoying all the opportunities life has to offer. Knowing that Emilia and other children are living with a condition that can take so much away makes the importance of research feel very real.

Every mile I run will be for Emilia, her family and all the other children and families affected by A-T. By supporting Action for A-T, I hope to help fund research that could improve lives and bring hope for a better future.

The training will be tough, and 26.2 miles is certainly no small challenge, but it feels like a small thing compared with what families affected by A-T face every day.

I’d be incredibly grateful for any donation, no matter how big or small. Every contribution will help support this important cause, and if you’re unable to donate, sharing my page would mean just as much.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me on this journey to the London Marathon 2027.

You can read more about Emilia, her family’s story and their journey with A-T here:

https://actionforat.org/the-cotton-family-uk/

Let’s do this for Emilia ❤️