Once again I am running a 10K in London, my third this year. Why? Because I can. But also because it helps keep me alive, you could say I am running for my life. OK, that may be an exaggeration. 

Summary of my story

Despite being fit, slender and I read food labels (low salt, low saturated fat and low sugar) like I'm preparing for an exam I have suffered with high blood pressure since 1999 (in my 30s). Doctors were baffled, and encouraged me to take time off work, do even more excercise, eliminate salt, and so on. I followed their advice, to no avail, they were baffled. Finally in 2007, the doctors gave in and officially diagnosed me withwith hypertension [click here for Information for African and Caribbean communities].

What can you do?

Plenty!

The first is don't think you are immune, or that if you handle your stress you will be fine. Hypertension is called the 'silent killer' something my family know all to well. I implore you, get your blood pressure checked as soon as possible, it is free and takes a few minutes at the GP or pharmacy.

Donate!

I'm not one to wallow in self-pity, after all it's not a death sentence. Instead I challenge myself. My current challenge is  to run in the ASICS 10K London this Sunday (July 11th, 2010). I am running to raise raise funds for the wonderful people at the Blood Pressure Association,  who have helped me, and countless others, understand and manage our hypertension. Please donate whatever you can. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.