Story
I’m running the London Marathon in support of MFT Charity & Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, in honour of my little sister Jessica and the incredible children’s hospital teams who have cared for her since before she was born.
At just 23 weeks into pregnancy, Jess was diagnosed with an extremely rare condition called Lymphangioma and given only a 2% chance of survival. A specialist team performed a high‑risk EXIT procedure to help her breathe at birth, and she spent her first nine weeks in Alder Hey Children’s Hospital undergoing multiple surgeries, including a tracheostomy at one week old.
Over the years, Jessica has continued to show unbelievable strength. She’s had further procedures, regular check‑ups, emergency hospital stays and even urgent surgery following a sudden bleed last year. Through every challenge, her medical teams have stood by her with extraordinary care and dedication. Today, Jess lives a bright, full life—her scar proudly known as her “little star.”
Children’s hospitals have given our family more than we could ever repay. By running this marathon, I’m hoping to give something back to the people and places that have supported Jessica every step of the way.
Thank you so much for your support—it truly means the world to us. 💚
