This year I’m running the Manchester Marathon for The Lily Foundation.

I’m doing it because my son, Toby , has mitochondrial disease.

Mitochondrial disease is a rare genetic condition that affects the body’s ability to produce energy. It’s serious, life-limiting, and currently has no cure. Every other day in the UK, a baby is born who may develop this disease.

Like most people, I hadn’t heard of it before it affected our family.

The Lily Foundation was set up in 2007 by Liz Curtis after she lost her daughter Lily to mitochondrial disease at just eight months old. The charity funds research into treatments and a cure, raises awareness, and supports families like ours who are living with the reality of mito every day.

For us, that reality includes hospital appointments, uncertainty, and challenges that most 10-year-olds shouldn’t have to deal with. But it also includes a brilliant, resilient boy who gets on with things better than most adults would.

I can’t fix Toby’s condition. But I can run 26.2 miles and try to raise money to help fund research and support.

If you’re able to donate, thank you. It genuinely makes a difference — to research, to support services, and to families like ours.

Thanks for reading.