Hello, this year I will be running the London marathon, my first ever  marathon, and I will be raising funds for Guy’s and St Thomas' Charity.

On 21^st April last year, the date that I’ll be running the marathon this year, I was admitted to hospital after collapsing on my bike while cycling home. The cause of this collapse was an internal bleed in my stomach.  What ensued was three weeks in hospital, two of those in ICU at St Thomas'. As the bleed could not initially be found and I continued to lose a dangerous amount of blood, I was facing the prospect of having my entire stomach surgically removed. Luckily for me, the amazing medical team kept me stable and made it an absolute last resort to operate. 30 blood transfusions and several procedures later they located and clipped the bleed, and I have managed to walk away without a scar to show (picture above is leaving the hospital after being discharged). During this terrifying ordeal, the expertise and care provided by the staff at St Thomas’ was unparalleled, and it is for that reason that I am asking for your donations today.

Thank you in advance for your support - I can assure you, through first-hand experience, this is a hugely worthy charity.

Lastly, as I mentioned the medical team did an incredible job in getting me through the ordeal, but what kept me alive was the blood that kind strangers had donated. If you can, please give blood and be that kind stranger to someone that needs it. Thank you.