I’m running the Bath Half Marathon in March 2025 (god help me) for Long Covid SOS, a charity that is run by a group of individuals who are themselves suffering from Long Covid but are trying to find a cure and treatment of Long Covid, something that is so very important to me. Many of you will already know that my amazing older sister, Victoria became poorly with Covid in November 2020 and since then she has been medically discharged from a career that she loved, leaving her unable to work and her life completely turned upside down, inside out and back around again.

Before becoming poorly Victoria was super fit, swimming 2-3 times a week before work, completing multiple half marathons, cross fit and finding pleasure in going off hiking for the day. She was a primary school teacher, a job she loved and always wanted to do, and she also continued to work throughout the pandemic and sadly this is where she first caught Covid, leaving her extremely debilitated.

Victoria is an inspiration to us all. Victoria is the most dedicated and motivated person I know and gives her all to everything, she is still this person, but this cruel illness has dramatically changed hers and our lives in a way we never expected.

Victoria is now reliant on using a wheelchair or mobility scooter, at the age of 31, unable to walk for any long distances for the sake of then having to rest for days on end. This illness leaves Victoria and many others short of breath, tight chested, suffering heart palpitations, chronic fatigue, constant pain in muscles & joints, depression and a long list of long term issues. The extent of these symptoms is hard to fathom or understand unless you are living with it on a daily basis.

Victoria is still very good at showing the positives still in her life, and we make the best of the situation, however it is tough. Victoria’s strength and resilience is very humbling.

There is no cure (yet!). There are no treatments (yet!). There is a lack of funding and there is very limited research. I’m hoping to raise awareness for Long Covid and the effect it is having on millions of people. Covid may seem like a distance memory and forgotten illness, but Long Covid is very much an illness which still continues to affect and debilitate more and more lives each day. Long Covid is not going away, so research is key to finding a cure and help to stop the increase in this awful life changing illness.

Victoria has a blog that she writes very openly and honestly about what her life is like now and the struggles she has faced - feel free to read here: https://victoriaboyling.medium.com

Please donate whatever you are able to help to find a treatment and cure to this disease which is having an effect on so many people. Thank you!