In July 2022 I was diagnosed with osteoporosis after 6 months of experiencing what I (and medical practitioners) originally thought to be muscular back pain but which turned out to be the result of the fracturing of 3 vertebrae, something I clearly wasn’t aware had happened. As someone who likes to be very active, it was frightening to find out at the age of 49 that certain sports and exercises I enjoyed may not be possible for the fear of further bone fractures, however I decided I would not allow it to be the end of my road running and marathon efforts (or golfing and skiing!!), even if I needed to be more careful and concentrate more on looking after my (ageing) body.

1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

It is one of the biggest hidden health emergencies of our time - nearly all of those affected only find out after they have suffered a break.

These broken bones break lives – the UK’s fourth biggest cause of disability and early death.

The Royal Osteoporosis Society helps people live well with osteoporosis and look after their bones. It gives help, advice and support around living with osteoporosis and the treatments which can help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures - through medication and lifestyle changes.

I am running the London Marathon in April 2025 and raising funds for The Royal Osteoporosis Society, your very kind and generous donations to this cause will mean that so many others like me can benefit from the crucial help and support they provide and will allow them to continue to drive research into ultimately finding a cure.

Osteoporosis affects so many lives, and together, we can make a difference. Join me in this journey towards a world free from osteoporosis.