Hi everyone,

I’m running the Hackney Half Marathon this May to raise funds for SHINE, a charity dedicated to supporting families and individuals affected by spina bifida.

As a doctor and PhD researcher, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with incredible parents—especially mothers—who go above and beyond for their babies diagnosed with open spina bifida. These families face immense challenges, from undergoing life-changing surgeries during pregnancy to navigating the obstacles their strong, resilient children overcome every single day.

Their strength inspires me, and I want to give back in any way I can. Running a half marathon is my small tribute to the daily battles these families and their little ones face.

This will be a challenge for me—I haven’t run in six years! But over the next five months, I’m committing to training hard, pushing myself daily, and sharing my journey along the way.

Your support means everything. Every donation, big or small, will help SHINE continue to provide vital support to these families.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me and for helping to make a difference. Together, we can help SHINE light the way for these amazing families.

Let’s do this!

Sofia