So after the success of running the Surrey 1/2 Marathon in 2024 and raising over £1000 for the Lily Foundation I did something a little crazy and applied for a charity place to run the London Marathon 2026 and my application was accepted. I’ll be honest I am feeling both excited and apprehensive about what I am taking on but I really want to show myself and my children that it’s important to challenge yourself and do hard things!

So with training underway I am hoping once again I can do what I can to raise some more money to put towards a wonderful charity and cause close to my family’s heart in memory of my brother Darren. My brother Darren sadly passed away when he was just 3 years old from a rare genetic disorder that he was born with, Mitochondrial disease. He would have been 48 this year and I feel sad that I never got the chance to meet him and that my children have an uncle they missed out on. I enjoy spending time with my parents getting to know him a little more as they share their lovely but also upsetting stories and memories of their time together with him. Whilst Darren sadly was unable to walk, speak or see he could hear and would often have the most gorgeous smile (as you can see in the photos) when he heard my parents’ voices.

What is Mitochondrial disease?

Mito is a rare inherited disorder. Our mitochondria are essentially the tiny organelles within our cells that generate most of the energy we require to function. Without healthy mitochondria, cells cannot function properly, and the results can be debilitating and eventually life-ending. Mitochondrial disease is a complex and difficult-to-diagnose condition that affects people in very different ways. It often affects babies and young children, and the long-term prognosis for sufferers is poor.

The Lily Foundation https://www.thelilyfoundation.org.uk/

The Lily foundation based in Surrey works hard to fight Mito and find hope for everyone affected by it by educating, informing, and raising awareness about mitochondrial disease, its symptoms and prognosis. They fundraise to help progress scientific research into Mito to advance the search for effective treatments and an eventual cure and provide essential, ongoing support to mitochondrial disease patients, their families, and designated carers. Today they support over 1200 families and have funded over 20 research projects as well as working tirelessly to spread the word about Mito.

Darren was born in 1977 and some of the challenges for my parents back then was the lack of knowledge and awareness about the disease; and having no specialist support and respite available to them. The Lily foundation is an amazing charity working hard to change this and any amount you feel able to contribute will be hugely appreciated by me, my family and anyone affected by this disease.