Haemochromatosis UK

My lovely, brave Mum has recently been diagnosed with Genetic Haemochromatosis (GH), after two lengthy stays in hospital and seemingly endless testing. GH is a genetic disorder that increases the risk of the body absorbing an excessive amount of iron from the diet. You can find out more about it here: https://www.haemochromatosis.org.uk/

What has become clear over the last few months is that there is so little understanding or awareness of GH. More research and education appear to be key to helping those suffering with GH. GH can lead to serious health conditions if left untreated. My Mum is currently waiting what is a worrying amount of time to undergo her first treatment, consisting of venesection. Her body is overloaded with iron, with damage to her pancreas and liver as a result, and her joints ache continually.

Running the London Marathon for Haemochromatosis UK feels like something positive I can do in a situation where my Mum feels completely out of control of what is happening to her body.

Alzheimer's Research UK

My wonderful in-laws, sadly, both have dementia. My father in-law, a proud father and bright pathologist, cruelly had his happily ever after stolen a few years ago, when dementia started to creep in. He now lives in a nursing home. My incredibly caring mother-in law was recently diagnosed; she is currently still managing to live at home and enjoy time with her 3 children and 8 grand-children. We hope this continues for as long as possible. Every 3 minutes, however, dementia steals a happily ever after. Research is our only chance of changing the ending for people affected by dementia.

Alzheimer's Research UK (AR UK) is the UK's leading dementia research charity. I am also running the London Marathon for AR UK, in the hope that it helps scientists and researchers find new ways to diagnose dementia, develop new treatments and, hopefully, find a cure.

I'd like to raise the same amount of money for Haemochromatosis UK and AR UK, however I am afraid JustGiving and myself cannot make that split. I kindly ask that you donate whatever you can, in a way that enables both charities to benefit equally.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe and will not be sold on. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity.

If you are still reading this, THANK YOU!