In 2018 I was on a walking trip in Scotland and couldn't stop coughing. I assumed it was hayfever related and just tried to get on with it. Back at work afterwards, a coughing fit saw me blackout and collapse in the office. An asthma diagnosis followed, although in hindsight I'd been living with it for 20-30 years without realising, due to its (up to then) mild symptoms, other than coughs that took a long time to shift every time I got a cold.

My asthma is thankfully well-controlled, and hasn't really stopped me doing anything. Finding out that I had asthma happened in the year I also started running and although I found running in the colder months hard, I eventually developed a better understanding of my breathing which has helped no end. I still find myself slowing down in the winter months due to the cold air.

My asthma journey has gone hand in hand with developing a love for running, and it's only right that I recognise that in the hardest running challenge I'll probably ever attempt.

1 in 5 of us will develop a lung condition during our lifetime. There's a new diagnosis every minute.

I'm fundraising for Asthma + Lung UK. They’re the only UK charity that fights for everyone’s right to breathe. Every pound I'm able to raise will take us a step closer to a world where everyone has healthy lungs.

Just £22 allows one of Asthma + Lung UK’s nurses to answer a call on the Helpline, offering potentially lifesaving advice. I'd be very grateful for any donations you could make!