On the 25th of April 1993 our heart journey began. Our daughter was born with a heart defect which thankfully righted itself without intervention within a few years.

Fast forward to Jan 1996 and our son was born with reasonably significant congenital heart defects. These would require surgical intervention. This took place when he was 3 1/2 and we have never looked back. Now at 30, and with a son of his own, it's time for reflection.

We have undertaken many fundraising ventures for Heart support organisations in New Zealand, our home for the past 24 years. But we have not been in a position to give thanks to the organisation that started it all and helped us when we were at our most vulnerable.

This changes next year at the 2027 London Marathon. My husband and I will be travelling from New Zealand to London so that I can participate in this monumental event as a runner for the British Heart Foundation, exactly 34 years to the day that our daughter was born.

The BHF is the biggest independent funder of research into cardiovascular disease in the UK. Research that we use and benefit from not only at home in New Zealand, but the world over.

My commitment is to raise the sum of GBP3000 and I would greatly value any support that you may be able to give to help me reach this goal. Please give where you are able to this worthwhile cause and share this page to reach more supporters.

Thank you in advance,

Deborah