I’ve decided to turn a recent hobby into an action of good for a cause that’s very close to mine and my families heart.

Many of you know (or may not know) that my cousin Jho has struggled with the disease ME for the past couple of years. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) is a long-term (chronic), fluctuating, neurological condition that causes symptoms affecting many body systems, more commonly the nervous and immune systems. M.E. affects an estimated 250,000 people in the UK, and around 17 million people worldwide. People with M.E. experience severe, persistent fatigue associated with post-exertional malaise, the body’s inability to recover after expending even small amounts of energy, leading to a flare-up in symptoms.

This disease resulted in Jho having to give up his hugely successful, global career and music
management business - one that brought some of the best, revolutionary music to our playlists, radios and music festivals. A career that inspired the path I’ve chosen to take in life! On a bad day, he may struggle to do the littlest things, such as standing up to watch his son play football from the bedroom window or play fairy dress up with his little girl. All things we take for granted. 

Which is why I have decided to run a half marathon on May 26th to raise money for the ME Association; Jho’s favourite charity that raises awareness about this little-known illness. Even better, my sister Claudia will be running it with me!

We that hope our nearest and dearest and anyone else who has been affected by ME can spare some small change to help my sister and I to help reach our target, and most importantly to support the fight against ME - which can affect anyone at any time.

Huge thank you to Jho’s incredible wife Sarah Oakley for being my undercover detective and to Helen at the ME Association for her support and providing these fab running vests.

We love you Jho!