Susan

I’ve officially lost my mind—I’m running my first marathon.

But I’m not just doing it for the blisters and bragging rights. I’m running to raise money for something that became incredibly personal last year: giving children access to safe operating rooms. After spending time in the hospital with my daughter Lily, I saw just how vital good surgical care is—and how lucky we were to have it.

So now, I’m lacing up and running 26.2 miles (voluntarily!) through my favorite city in the world—New York—to help make that kind of care possible for more children around the world.

And I won’t be doing it alone—I’m running with my brother Andy. It’s his first marathon too, so we’ll be pushing each other every step of the way… and hopefully not trying to kill each other by mile 20. He’ll be doing so after a recent diagnosis or Type 1 diabetes so the good news there will always be snacks on hand!

If you want to support this slightly unhinged but very heartfelt mission, I’d be incredibly grateful for your donation. Let’s do some good (and maybe help me forget how long 26.2 miles actually is).

Andy

2025 was shaping up to be a huge year for me. Here’s what I had penciled in the diary:

• Turning 40

• Passing my driving test

• A cycling week in Mallorca

• My first Half Marathon at Edinburgh

• Getting married

• Honeymooning in Japan

• Running my first Marathon in NYC my with sister, Susan

What I didn’t have on my bingo card? Being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

After falling ill in March, I just couldn’t seem to bounce back. I felt constantly sluggish, my mind was foggy, my eyesight was worsening, and the weight was dropping off me—but I kept thinking it would pass with a bit of rest. I struggled badly on the bike in Mallorca, but blamed the heat, illness, and lack of training.

When the symptoms didn’t go away—and I started feeling endlessly thirsty—Hannah urged me to call the doctor. The concern was immediate, and I was seen quickly. That’s when I got the diagnosis.

Like many people, we thought Type 1 diabetes was something you were born with, and that Type 2 was linked to lifestyle choices. So we were shocked to learn that Type 1 can develop at any age, often suddenly. In my case, the illness I had in March likely triggered an autoimmune response, which means my body is now attacking its own insulin-producing cells. That means I’ll be insulin-dependent for life—currently injecting four times a day.

The good news: I’ve been cleared to start exercising again. So now I’m easing (very slowly) back into some last-minute training, trying to rebuild a bit of fitness and figure out how to manage my glucose while running—first for the EMF Half, and ultimately, in New York.

My new goal isn’t about chasing a time—just getting around the courses. I’m lucky to have Hannah running beside me in Edinburgh, and Susan in NYC.

Thank You!

Thanks for all your support—and please take a moment to check out the amazing work Kids Operating Room is doing.

— Andy & Susan

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Running for Kids: New York Marathon 2025 🏃‍♂️🌍

On 2nd November 2025, I’ll be taking on the iconic New York City Marathon—26.2 miles through the heart of the Big Apple! But this isn’t just about the race; it’s about changing lives.

I’m running to support Kids Operating Room (KidsOR), a charity dedicated to ensuring children in low-income countries have access to safe, life-saving surgery. Right now, millions of children around the world can’t get the surgical care they need simply because of where they were born. KidsOR is working to change that by equipping hospitals with dedicated child-friendly operating rooms and providing essential surgical tools and training.

With your support, we can help more children get the care they deserve. Every donation—big or small—will make a real difference.

Thank you for cheering me on and for supporting this incredible cause! 💙🏅

#TeamKidsOR #NYCMarathon #RunningForChange