This year, I’ll be taking on the Edinburgh Marathon to raise money and awareness for a cause that means everything to me; supporting my younger sister, Carmen.

Carmen was diagnosed with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare and life-changing blood disorder. PNH affects only a handful of people per million and is caused by the body producing abnormal blood cells, which the immune system then mistakenly attacks. This can lead to extreme fatigue, breathlessness, and a significantly increased risk of dangerous blood clots.

As you can imagine, her diagnosis turned our world upside down.

But if you know Carmen, you’ll know she doesn’t let anything define her. Despite everything she faces, she continues to live life with strength, determination, and an incredible attitude. She truly is an absolute champion.

Since her diagnosis, Carmen has been receiving regular intravenous treatments along with daily medication. Thanks to these life-saving treatments, she’s able to live a mostly normal life, but it’s not without its challenges.

That’s why I’ve decided to run the Edinburgh Marathon, to support Carmen, raise awareness of PNH, and give back to PNH Scotland, a small but vital charity dedicated to supporting those affected by this rare condition. PNH Scotland works to provide information, guidance, and a strong support network for patients and families, while also raising awareness and advocating for better understanding of the disease. Any donation, no matter how small, will help them continue this important work and make a real difference to people living with PNH every day.

Thank you so much for your support…it genuinely means the world.