In 2026 I’m running both the London Marathon and the Saucony London 10K for a very special reason — my daughter, Aasiyah.

Aasiyah has Sotos Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects development and brings complex medical needs.

Small Steps is helping her grow stronger every day.

For Aasiyah, Sotos Syndrome has brought several medical challenges, including low muscle tone (hypotonia) and laryngomalacia, which affects her breathing. She also has sleep apnea, for which she uses CPAP each night, and has experienced Infantile Spasms, a form of epilepsy that requires ongoing medical care.

In her early months, Aasiyah was fed through a nasogastric (NG) tube because it wasn’t safe for her to eat by mouth. But in a huge step forward, she has now started weaning and loves food! Watching her enjoy tastes and textures that once weren’t possible has been one of the most joyful parts of her journey.

Since September 2025, Aasiyah has been attending Small Steps, a specialist centre for pre-school children with physical disabilities and developmental delays. The incredible team there provides free, weekly sessions combining physiotherapy, education, and play — helping children like Aasiyah build strength, confidence, and independence through small, steady progress.

Small Steps has given us hope, guidance, and a supportive community that understands our journey. Every little achievement — every new movement, every smile, every bite of food — feels possible because of the encouragement and expertise we’ve found there.

Originally I planned to run the London 10K, but after a runner sadly had to withdraw due to injury, I’ve now also been given the opportunity to run the 2026 London Marathon for Small Steps.

So in 2026 I’ll be running 32.4 miles across London for this incredible charity — and for Aasiyah.

If you’re able to donate, please do. Whether it’s £5 or £50, every contribution helps Small Steps continue to provide free, life-changing support to families like ours.

Thank you for reading, for cheering us on, and for believing in Aasiyah’s small but mighty steps forward. 💙

#TeamSmallSteps #SotosSyndrome #LondonMarathon2026 #London10K #ForAasiyah #OneSmallStepAtATime