In 2019 my brilliant, loving, kind Mum suffered an Aortic Dissection, a life-threatening medical emergency where the body's main artery 'tears' and blood begins to leave the aorta. It happened completely out of the blue, she lived a healthy lifestyle and had no previous history of heart disease. Thanks to life-saving surgery, she survived. Many aren't so lucky.

For around 50% of people who experience an aortic dissection, it is fatal. They kill more people than road traffic accidents in the UK each year. Those who do make it to hospital are often misdiagnosed, as my Mum was, due to the presentation of similar symptoms to more common emergencies. These misdiagnoses can cost lives. This is where the Aortic Dissection Awareness charity comes in.

Aortic Dissection Awareness aim to improve the diagnosis of the condition, and support families like mine through available information, care and support. Their 'Think Aorta' campaign is very dear to my Mum's heart, and she's taken part in her own fundraising campaign before - walking miles with our little chihuahua to raise money. Now it's my turn.

In March of 2027, I will be running the Bath Half Marathon to raise money for this life-saving charity to help them support families just like my own, and to give back to my mum. I couldn't have gotten this far in the world without her, and I am so grateful for all the precious moments we've shared since 2019.

I love you, Mama.