Running the London Marathon for Dystonia UK ❤️

After 10 years, it felt like the right time to run the London Marathon again.

This will be my third marathon.

This time I’m running for Dystonia UK, a charity that is incredibly close to my heart.

Our journey with dystonia first began when my younger cousin, Shannon, was diagnosed. We watched her go through her own journey, and still today we couldn’t be prouder of the young woman she has become. She is always positive, always smiling and has shown such incredible strength.

We then discovered that our Grandad was a carrier of the dystonia gene, and that the gene had been passed down to my Dad, and then to my brother and sister.

My brother and sister made the incredibly difficult decision to go through genetic IVF, with the hope of preventing the gene from being passed on to their children. Their journeys have not been easy. There has been heartbreak, disappointment and so much emotion along the way. My sister is still in the middle of her journey, and I am unbelievably proud of them both.

We have seen first hand the impact that dystonia can have, and that is why raising money for a charity that supports people and families affected by it means so much to me.

When I run those 26.2 miles, I will be thinking of Shannon, my brother, my sister, my Dad, my Grandad and my whole family. I’ll be thinking about everything they have been through, and everything they continue to face.

There is also something really special about running London again after 10 years.

My first London Marathon was in 2017, when I ran for my beautiful premature daughter. She was born 13 weeks early, weighing just 1lb 9oz, and running those 26.2 miles for her will always be one of my proudest achievements.

Ten years on, I now have two beautiful children who I hope I can continue to make proud. And they along with my Husband, will be out there with me on many of my training runs. 🫶🏻

So here I am, 10 years later, taking on London Marathon for a very different reason, but with just as much meaning behind it.

I feel incredibly lucky that I get to do something I love running while raising money for people I love and for such an important cause.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, would mean so much to me and will help support Dystonia UK and the people and families affected by this condition.

And because running 26.2 miles isn’t enough of a challenge 😂, I also have some fun fundraising events planned over the coming month’s, so keep your eyes peeled!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story, and thank you in advance for any donation and support. ❤️