I’m not a natural long-distance runner - so signing up to the Royal Parks Half Marathon this October definitely feels like a big challenge.

But this one means a lot more than just ticking something off my bucket list.

I’m running for my daughter, Imogen.

When Imogen was just three weeks old, we were told something no parent ever expects to hear - that she had a serious heart condition called an atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). We’d gone from thinking we had a perfectly healthy baby to suddenly facing the reality of open heart surgery.

It was overwhelming. I remember feeling completely out of my depth - scared, confused and unsure what the future would look like.

Imogen had her first major heart operation at nine months old, and then again at the age of four. Seeing your child go through something like that is something you never forget.

Now she’s 14, and I’m so proud of the young person she’s become. She’s creative, funny and incredibly resilient. She loves art and reading, and she’s handled everything life has thrown at her with strength that constantly amazes me.

But her journey isn’t over. More recently, she’s also been diagnosed with a heart rhythm condition, and will have a pacemaker fitted later this year. It’s something we continue to navigate together.

In those early days after her diagnosis, I remember coming home and not knowing where to turn. The British Heart Foundation became a real lifeline for me. Their information helped me understand what was happening and gave me some reassurance at a time when everything felt so uncertain.

That’s a big part of why I wanted to do this.

I haven’t run a half marathon in over 10 years, and I’m definitely feeling it in training! But after everything Imogen has been through, taking on 13.1 miles feels like a small thing to do in comparison.

If you’re able to support me, I’d be so grateful. Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps fund the BHF’s life-saving research.

Thank you so much for reading and for your support.

Jo