On Sunday 26th April 2026, I’ll be taking on my 10th London Marathon and this year, I’m running with a cause that’s deeply personal.

In 2004, I was diagnosed with asthma after a frightening asthma attack that landed me in hospital. I had no idea what was happening, it was terrifying. I was signposted to Asthma UK (now Asthma + Lung UK), and their support made all the difference. They offered me practical advice, reassurance, and a sense of control when everything felt overwhelming.

Then, in 2025, after getting Covid back in 2022, I was diagnosed with bibasal linear atelectasis, another lung condition that brought more questions and uncertainty. Again, Asthma + Lung UK were there, offering reassurance and advice.

Breathing doesn’t always come easily for me these days. You may not think it, but there are moments when even walking up stairs is tough, but I refuse to let it stop me. Although I sometimes find it hard to breathe, it’s not a barrier. I won’t let it define me. In fact, I’ve found that running actually helps. It helps strengthens my lungs, clears my mind, and reminds me that I’m capable, even when it’s a struggle.

Lung disease also runs in my family. My great aunt passed at a young age from tuberculosis, another aunt passed away from COPD, my Uncle from emphysema and my cousin is currently very unwell with asbestosis, so I know all too well how serious these conditions can be.

That’s why I’m running for Asthma + Lung UK, to give back to the charity that’s helped me, and to raise awareness for the 12 million people in the UK who will develop a lung condition in their lifetime.

Some facts that might surprise you:

1 in 5 people in the UK will experience a lung condition during their lives.

7.2 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma in the UK.

Lung conditions are the third biggest cause of death in the UK.

Asthma attacks claim the lives of four people each day in the UK.

Yet, lung health gets a fraction of the funding and research attention it deserves.

Asthma + Lung UK are working tirelessly to change that – and I want to help them keep going.

If you can, please sponsor me. Whether it’s £1 or £20, every penny makes a difference. Your support will help fund life-saving research, provide expert advice to people in crisis, and give hope to those living with lung conditions.

Thank you so much – it truly means the world to me.

Maria

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