I’ve decided to finally take the plunge and, with just a few days remaining to click the “confirm your place” button, I have officially signed up for the London Marathon 2023 for a worthy cause.

In 2020, one of my closest friend’s mum received a diagnosis with Multiple system atrophy (MSA). MSA is a rare, degenerative neurological disorder affecting your body's involuntary (autonomic) functions, including blood pressure, movement, eating and drinking, and bladder control. 

There's currently no cure for MSA and no way of slowing its progression. People with the condition typically live for 6 to 9 years after their symptoms start, with their condition worsening rapidly after diagnosis.

My friend’s mum is a loving, fun, generous and kind woman who I am lucky to have had in my life from childhood into adulthood. She has raised three incredible daughters who are learning to brave this unjust storm together, adapting as they go and most importantly, helping their mum to keep laughing when times are hard. 

I am raising money and awareness for the MSA Trust to help other families like my friend’s to be able to provide the best care and guidance for those who are diagnosed with this life changing illness.

I took up running during lockdown, building up to 5k, then a little further, and eventually braving it to go along to probably the first sports club I’ve attended since school - the lovely Hilly Fields Harriers. 

I can confidently say I would not be doing this marathon if it wasn’t for this wonderful group of people who gather every Thursday for a run, but mostly to end up in the pub afterwards.

I feel very fortunate to be able to run, and when I inevitably find myself cursing at the 3/4 mark on 23rd April, I will be thinking of those like my friend’s mum who aren’t as fortunate.

Thank you for reading this. ❤️