Over the next year I will be running the London Marathon and the Amsterdam Marathon to raise money and awareness for the Tuberous Sclerosis Association (TSA).

My second son, Elijah, who is now 18 months old, was diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) around a year ago after suffering seizures. Like many families affected by TSC, our lives are filled with hospital visits, constant scans, and endless appointments. For families like ours, the hardest part is the uncertainty — not knowing how TSC will affect your child as they grow.

TSC is a rare genetic condition that causes growths (tumours) to develop in different parts of the body, most often the brain, kidneys, heart, skin, eyes and lungs. It can lead to epilepsy, PKD, autism, learning difficulties, and other serious health issues. No two people are affected in quite the same way, which makes it unpredictable and extremely hard to diagnose.

I am running these marathons as a father, because it’s something practical I can do. I can’t change what my son is facing, but I can try to raise awareness and funds to support the people who are fighting to make life better for families like mine, today and in the future.

If you are able to donate, it will mean a great deal. And if not, I would ask you to simply take a few minutes to read about TSC: https://tuberous-sclerosis.org. Awareness matters — it could help another family get a diagnosis sooner, and start getting the support they need.

Thank you.