This London Marathon has been a long running (pardon the pun) saga. Originally, back in May 2022  Helen secured a place for the October 2022 event to raise funds for Asthma and Lung to help people like her husband Peter who was then suffering from pulmonary fibrosis. Sadly, Peter passed away in June 2022, giving even more reason to raise valuable funds to fight lung disease. But the October 2022 event was not to be, Covid struck Helen just a week before. More determination and a deferred place meant that Helen entered for the April 2023 event instead. Just 6 months to wait didn't seem too long. But then a herniated disc put paid to that one too, and at the time all thought of any sort of running at all. 

Asthma and Lung kindly offered another deferral to April 2024 to complete the event which had already received so many generous donations. But at this stage Helen was barely able to complete a Parkrun, so a marathon was definitely not an option. With the same determination to raise funds for his dad, Ben stepped up instead and Asthma and Lung agreed to the change of shift. So began many months of training for Ben for his biggest running challenge yet. 

Autumn 2023 brought a change of fortune running-wise for Helen, now fit enough to build up some distance again. By the end of the year a half marathon didn't seem to be an unreasonable challenge. Keen to do an event to compensate for the disappointment of the marathon, Helen started training for the half distance. And now there is not one but 2 half marathons on the horizon, Wokingham on 25th February and Reading on 14th April. So, Helen will be doing these 2 runs in aid of Asthma and Lung too and in memory of Peter. It won't be London but it will still be a marathon challenge, just with a 7 week break half way through!

Thank you to everyone who has already generously donated to this cause for what was originally Helen's London marathon. Both Ben and Helen will be very appreciative of any further donations for what is now Ben's London marathon and Helen's half marathons x 2. Two different challenges but both for the same worthwhile cause. Peter will be in our thoughts every step of the way.

Thank you for your support.

Helen and Ben xx

1 in 5 of us will develop a lung condition during our lifetime. There's a new diagnosis every minute. We are fundraising for Asthma + Lung UK. They’re the only UK charity that fights for everyone’s right to breathe. Every pound we are 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. We'd be very grateful for any donations you could make!