In 2020 I took up running as a form of exercise during the first national lockdown and decided I was going to attempt to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon in 2021. It was around this time that my Grandpa (Howard) began suffering with post-COVID symptoms, which caused long-term damage to his lungs. Having ran the London Marathon himself at age 50, he would offer training advice, and he would tell me funny stories about when he ran back in 1998 (including how he ran it in a comical mustard yellow running vest).

Unfortunately he passed away in February 2021, however I still ran in his honour (even wearing the same vest he wore in 1998) and in support of the British Lung Foundation. I was able to raise £1,616 for BLF in order to help them in supporting families such as my own. During his final few months he participated in a Lung support group (one similar to those that the British Lung Foundation advertise and encourages sufferers to partake in). This group was a great comfort for my Grandpa and I know that all the money I raised aided other sufferers in finding support much like my Grandpa was able to have.

After 2 years of further training and racing in a few further Half Marathons, the time has come for me to complete the journey I feel I have been working towards. I have always said that one day my dream is to run the London Marathon much like my Grandpa did, wearing that very same vest, carrying the torch for him so he can cross the finish line once again. I would feel so proud to complete this challenge not just for me but also to raise even more money for the newly formed Asthma + Lung UK in the process. As you can tell a charity supporting those with breathing issues really does mean a lot to me so I feel really honoured to both run for this cause and also have the opportunity to honour my Grandpa in the process.

=============================

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

I'm running The London Marathon 2023 for Asthma + Lung UK. Theyre the only UK charity that fights for everyones 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 UKs nurses to answer a call on the Helpline, offering potentially lifesaving advice. I'd be very grateful for any donations you could make!