Last year, a close family friend was diagnosed with MELAS syndrome at age 22. He has endured 2 strokes, seizures, dietary struggles, and more.

Mitochondrial disease is not something you would think someone in their 20s would be diagnosed with. It had gone undetected for years, before showing its life-changing symptoms.

We asked H which charity he would like us to run for. His top choice was the Lily Foundation. We felt this was perfect as we want to raise awareness of mitochondrial diseases, and support TLF for all the amazing work they do raising awareness and supporting affected families.

Running/walking a marathon is no easy feat, but it is nowhere near conquering the life-changing impacts of MELAS syndrome.

If you would like to support us on our marathon journey, we would be so very thankful knowing that your support will keep us going to the finish line and beyond as TLF continues with it's amazing work xx

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About the Lily Foundation

Every other day in the UK, a baby is born who may develop serious mitochondrial disease. The Lily Foundation was founded in 2007 by Liz Curtis in memory of her daughter Lily, who died from mito at just 8 months old. Finding little information or support to help her, Liz set out to provide answers for herself and others in her situation. The charity exists today to support affected patients and families, raise awareness of this little-known but incurable genetic condition and fund research into treatments and an eventual cure.