If you’d told me at the beginning of 2026 that I’d be signing up to run 13.1 miles, I’d probably have laughed…and then reached for my inhaler!

I’ve had asthma since childhood, and so running was something I struggled with at school. But thanks to the wonders of medication, I’m ok and earlier this year, I decided to give Couch to 5K a go. Just for a few weeks, to see how I found it. Nothing too ambitious I kidded myself…

Fast forward five months and here I am, signing up for my first ever half marathon. Yikes… I’m really doing this!

The Institute for Medical Innovation (IMI) aims to transform how we understand and treat diseases that affect so many of us, including cancer, dementia, respiratory illness, sight loss and infection. The new building will bring researchers together to explore the connections between these conditions, creating opportunities for discoveries in one area to unlock breakthroughs in others. That’s what makes this such an exciting project to support.

So, being asthmatic, the IMI’s respiratory focus is particularly meaningful to me. I’m also incredibly proud to be helping lead the IMI programme at the University of Southampton to support in bringing this ambitious Institute to life.

If you can spare a few pounds to support I’d be incredibly grateful.

I’ll do my best to make it to the finish line. Whether my legs agree with this plan remains to be seen!

Thanks for your support!