In 2022, My step-dad was diagnosed with stage 3 heart failure, whilst only in his 50s. In 2024, one of our closest family friends was also diagnosed.

I was inspired by the way my step dad in particular has handled this journey, as it definitely has not been easy. During this time he has moved house, learned to adapt his love of photography in a way that means he can still get out, without walking for miles to find wildlife, and learned to drive to allow him to have more freedom.

Mark has been in my life almost forever, making me birthday cakes throughout the years, introducing me to photography, putting up with my rediculous voicenotes and videos and inspiring me to deal with whatever life may throw my way.

I always felt silly running, or doing excersize, because i wasnt as quick as other people or became breathless. Frankly, that seems a little silly now really, doesnt it.

Thats why, on november 10th 2024 i will be running the tatton park half marathon, and in 2025 I will running the manchester marathon to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and I'd be so grateful for your support.

The BHF has helped halve the number of people dying from heart and circulatory disease in the UK but sadly every day hundreds of people lose their lives. It's only thanks to support from people like us that the BHF can create new treatments and discover new cures. £24 could pay for two hours of research by an early career scientist, but every pound helps so please give what you can to help me hit my target.