Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a medical condition causing high pressure in the blood vessels in the lungs. Although some forms are rare, it is estimated to affect about 1% of the population overall - so the chances are you might know someone affected.

Unfortunately, it is serious and probably under-recognised. There have been advances over the past 20 years with more treatments available and new ones coming through, but there is still a long way to go to improve the lives of people affected.

PH has a huge impact on people’s lives, and the Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK is dedicated to reducing that burden through support, advice, information and advocacy. They raise awareness and fund research to provide better treatments, with the hope of one day finding a cure for this devastating disease.

I have worked closely with PHA UK over the past couple of years and seen first hand the difference they make to people diagnosed with PH and their families. They are a dedicated, caring and committed team. We have worked together to encourage patients to consider taking part in research; acknowledging that the care received today is based on past research whilst offering hope for better outcomes in the future.

I am running the Cambridge Half Marathon on 3rd March 2024 to raise awareness of this condition, celebrate the work done by this fantastic charity and hopefully raise some money too.

I am absolutely not a natural born runner and the training for the half marathon has been a huge challenge for me - a real "couch to 21km". I'm not looking to break records but will be pleased to finish the race in one piece!

Please follow the updates across my social media platforms, including:

https://twitter.com/Dr_Joe_Newman

On the donation page, please feel free to suggest a song you'd like me to add to my playlist for the race day - no obligation. This can be as motivating ("Don't Stop Me Now") or just as irritating/amusing ("Crazy Frog") as you feel like. This could get eclectic and I may live to regret this suggestion. I hope it will spur me on to run faster through motivation, humour or just the need to avoid listening to another Cher track. (T&C's - if things get too much, I retain the right to veto music choices...)

Thanks :-)

Joe

(PHA UK receives no government funding. PHA UK have not financially supported my research.)