I’m incredibly honoured and humbled to have been given the opportunity to run the 2027 London Marathon for Team Lacey, raising money for The Lily Foundation.

Many of you know my cousin, Lisa Leggett, and her husband, Dom. They endured every parent’s worst nightmare when they lost their beautiful daughter, Lacey, to mitochondrial disease. Watching their heartbreak had a profound impact on our entire family.

Running the London Marathon is my way of honouring Lacey’s memory and helping other families who are faced with the same.

Mitochondrial disease (often called mito) is a rare genetic condition that affects the body’s ability to produce energy. It can impact any organ, at any age, but often affects babies and young children. It is incredibly difficult to diagnose, and heartbreakingly, there is currently no cure.

The Lily Foundation does extraordinary work by supporting families living with mitochondrial disease, caring for those who have lost loved ones, and funding vital research to improve treatments and, one day, find a cure.

Lacey was diagnosed with Mitochondrial depletion disease within her TK2 Gene. This progressive disease and sadly Lacey passed away on the 14/2/2014 at just 2 years of age.

In her beautiful memory we want to make a difference to all those affected by Mito, giving them support, understanding and ultimately a cure.