In May 2026, I am running the Edinburgh Half Marathon, raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Cystic Fibrosis, or CF, has been an ever present in my life as my older sister Katy was diagnosed with CF as a toddler. Katy, only a year older than me, and I grew up inseparable. Whether we were collecting spiders together in the garden, having a ‘windy night’ in our bedroom, or playing our favourite game, teddy football, we spent our childhood together. The only difference between us as I remember is that Katy (or Toady) had lots of medicine to take, and that the Twirls in the cupboard were exclusively hers. As a child, I couldn’t and didn’t comprehend the illness she was living with.

Cystic Fibrosis affects 11,000 people in the UK, with one in 25 of us carrying the gene without even knowing about it. CF mostly impacts the lungs and digestive system, but also has a significant effect on both physical and mental health. CF is a life-limiting illness, and in 1994, when Katy was born had a life expectancy of 30 years old. Thankfully, due to the work of organisations like the CF Trust and advances in medicine, life expectancy is 65 years as of 2022. CF has a broader impact on lifestyle, including greater susceptibility to other illnesses like pneumonia and certain forms of cancer, due to funding issues and disproportionate access to life-prolonging medicine.

With all this in mind, Katy has always been, and remains a constant source of joy, strength, and sunshine. Katy is the first person I call to share good news or turn to for advice when I need it. Katy has always lived a full life, not allowing any of these challenges stopping her from achieving excellence. With her wonderful husband Elliott, Katy serves as the example of making the most of the cards you’re dealt, and is as an incredible example to her two little boys. For me, Katy has always been my hero, my role model and my beacon of strength.

About the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to uniting people to stop cystic fibrosis. Its work focuses on funding research, improving care standards, campaigning for change, and providing support for those affected by the condition. 

Thank you for donating - this money will help people in need.