Why I’m Running

Long Covid Kids is Gravita’s Charity of the Year, and I am honoured to support this incredible cause by taking on the London Marathon.

I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of Long Covid on children and families. One story that has deeply moved me is that of my colleague Jana’s son, Samir. Three years ago, Samir’s life changed completely. After contracting Covid-19, he developed debilitating physical and cognitive symptoms, leaving him disabled. He lost his education, childhood experiences, friendships, and dreams—a heartbreaking reality that too many children and families face.

This is not just a personal story; it is a collective struggle that thousands of families endure while waiting for effective treatments for their children.

Samir’s story is not unique.

The Reality of Paediatric Long Covid

Long Covid is a multi-system illness that can affect any part of a child’s body, including the heart, lungs, nervous system, digestive system, and muscles. Symptoms vary, but many children experience:

🧠 Persistent brain fog – Cognitive impairment lasting over a year after infection.

⚡ Post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PESE) – A severe worsening of symptoms after physical, mental, or emotional effort, leading to extreme fatigue, migraines, and pain.

🚨 Crashes – In the worst cases, children become bedbound, unable to tolerate light, noise, or even basic activity.

This is the devastating reality for many children living with Long Covid. Their childhoods are put on hold, their education disrupted, and their futures uncertain.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

While some children recover quickly from Covid-19, for tens of thousands, the effects linger for months or even years.

📊 As of March 2024, over 55,000 children and young people in England and Scotland were still experiencing symptoms at least 12 weeks after infection.

📊 The Children and Young People with Long Covid (CloCK) study, led by Professor Terrance Stephenson at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, found that 7% of young people surveyed were suffering from Long Covid.

📊 30% of those affected had not recovered even after two years—a devastating length of time in a child’s education and development.

How Long Covid Kids is Making a Difference

Long Covid Kids is a lifeline for affected families across the UK. Their work includes:

✅ Advocacy & Awareness – Presenting crucial evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry and collaborating with research teams.

✅ Support & Community – Running peer support groups to provide reassurance, solidarity, and hope.

✅ Reducing Stigma – Educating the public through campaigns, webinars, blogs, and documentaries.

✅ Giving Children a Voice – The LCK choir even premiered their song, ‘Rollercoaster’, at the annual SAPHNA conference.

✅LCK collaborates with research teams and on paediatric studies towards improved understanding and treatment.

Why This Means So Much to Me

Running the London Marathon has been a long-held dream, but this year, it means so much more. It’s an opportunity to raise vital funds for Long Covid Kids, so they can continue their essential work supporting children, parents, and caregivers navigating this difficult journey.

How You Can Help

Every donation—big or small—will make a difference. Your support can help provide resources, advocacy, and hope to families who feel lost in this struggle.

💙 Please donate today and share my page to spread awareness.

🙏 Thank you for being part of this journey with me!