Ever since I can remember my Grandad has struggled with his chest, lungs and Asthma. He was diagnosed with COPD and  Emphysema roughly 10 years ago. Growing up I always remember him struggling with ill health relating to his conditions. In the last few years I have come to understand these conditions more, especially as I was diagnosed with Exercise Induced Asthma in 2019. This affects my ability to be able to participate in exercise and sometimes even walking up the stairs can be a struggle. Running for this charity means a lot to me, not only for my own personal reasons but also for my Grandad. He was born in the East End of London in September 1940,  the beginning of the Second World War and was a welder by trade. The environment he was brought up in and worked in contributed to the conditions he has today. It really affects me to see him simply struggle to breathe and complete simple tasks each day. So many people I know, including several other family members and friends also struggle with different forms of Asthma, impacting their lives in different ways.

1 in 5 of us will develop a lung condition during our lifetime. There's a new diagnosis every minute.I'm fundraising for Asthma + Lung UK. They’re the only UK charity that fights for everyone’s right to breathe. Every pound I'm able to raise will take us a step closer to a world where everyone has healthy lungs.Just £22 allows one of Asthma + Lung UK’s nurses to answer a call on the Helpline, offering potentially lifesaving advice. I'd be very grateful for any donations you could make! https://www.asthma.org.uk 

Why we’re fighting for breath

• In the UK, respiratory care simply isn’t good enough.
• Even before Covid-19, NHS hospital admissions for lung conditions were rising three times faster than average admissions.
• Lung disease is now the third most common cause of death, costing the NHS more than £9 billion every year. So this issue needs to be at the top of the health agenda.
• People living with lung conditions are often overlooked and being left behind. Their condition isn’t accurately diagnosed at an early stage – and even when they are diagnosed, they’re not given the care they need.