Running together is one of the last memories I have of my mum.

We decided to do the Race for Life together in 2005. It was a big deal for me at 12 years old but small fry for an ex-World record holder.

Nonetheless, her competitive spirit came out in full force, and she took off on the start line beating her 12 year old daughter by a long shot.

Within two weeks of that event, we’d sadly lost her.

We had no idea that anything was wrong with her at the time, but an underlying heart problem ended her life far too early. With no warning, one night she went into hospital and just didn’t come home. She was only 47 years old.

Running to me has always been so inextricably linked to my mum in so many ways.

Every year without fail mum would make me watch the London Marathon, inevitably shouting at Paula Radcliffe to stop nodding her head so much.

Since losing her it has been a personal goal of mine to run the Marathon in her memory.

I am therefore extremely grateful to HEART UK to give myself and my cousin Emily the opportunity to fulfil this dream.

HEART UK raises awareness specifically for a cause that affects nearly 1 in 2 adults in the UK: high cholesterol. It’s a hidden risk that can lead to heart attacks, strokes and vascular dementia – but with the right support, it’s also preventable.

HEART UK is a small charity making a big impact. They receive no government funding, so donations like yours genuinely keep them going.

Please donate generously. Every pound makes a difference.