Running the London Marathon is something I've fancied ever since the first time I joined the crowds and clapped wave after wave of people flooding past, well over a decade ago. I diligently entered the ballot every year, but I was never lucky enough to get a place.

As many of you know, in January 2023 I had a heart attack. It was actually 3 years tomorrow (at the time of writing this). Recovering, particularly mentally, was, and still can be, a challenge. Getting back to running (to help the physical and mental recovery) was one of my main goals, and I was so proud to achieve that, with regular parkruns, and even a 10km completed by the end of 2023.

Then, in the Spring of 2024 I learnt I had finally got lucky in the ballot for London, with a place for 2025. Why I was even entering it is a very good question (not sure!), but I knew I wanted to do it, but I also knew I wanted to be as safe as possible. So, before I started training, I visited a very respected Sports Cardiologist for some tests. A spanner was thrown in the works...the tests threw up some results that needed more tests, and those tests had a long waiting list. London 2025 wasn't going to happen. I deferred my place...I wasn't ready to give up just yet. In May 2025 I finally got the all clear. The London Marathon, finally, awaits.

So here I am, looking forward 100 days (exactly) to when I'll be on that start line. Looking back (almost exactly) 3 years to the day that changed me.

And looking out, to you, my friends and family.

Thank you for all the support you've given me throughout my recovery - it's definitely not been a straight line. Whilst this won't be the final piece of the jigsaw, it will be a big, undoubtedly emotional moment, when I cross that finish line.

Most of you hopefully know that I have the great honour of leading a cardiac charity called NW Hearts Charity. We exist to improve the heart health outcomes for people in the Greater Manchester area. Too many people still die as a result of heart and circulatory disease. If you are able to sponsor me, not only will you be fuel to power me through the long, dark, hours of training, but you will also be making a massive difference to a cause that couldn't be closer to my heart.

Thanks for reading.

J x