Hello everyone, 

My name is Jake Clements and I was born with a heart murmur.  From a young age I’d have yearly routine check-ups at St Thomas Hospital monitoring my heart condition and throughout my teenage years my health slowly deteriorated and I wasn't able to do many sports. I had a terrible immune system and even a common cold would mean I’d be off school for a week. 

At the age of eighteen after my A-Level exams, the doctors advised me and my Mum that I should have open heart surgery to replace my Aortic Valve. My heart murmur as a child did develop into Aortic valve regurgitation and if I didn't have this operation when I was eighteen my life expectancy would be much shorter.  

I had two options of what type new valve I could have. I chose to have the biological valve which has an average life span of eight to ten years. The other option would have been the metal valve which lasts for life, however I felt at my young age and lifestyle the biological best suited me as I wasn’t limiting myself. Nearly seven years later and I am still very happy with my choice.

Throughout my journey, I made Video Blogs on my YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/ForeverJakeC) showing my recovery from this operation to encourage others who have heart problems to seek medical attention.

I want to help children with heart conditions that aren’t as fortunate as me growing up and receiving treatment. That is why I am running The London Marathon 2018 for Chain of Hope. Chain of Hope’s long-term goal is that all children wherever they are born, have access to quality cardiac care in their own countries; helping children with life threatening heart diseases like mine in less developing counties.     

Please help me raise money for such a great cause and a charity very close to my heart. 

Thank you so much in advance,

Jake Clements