As many of you already know this last 18 months hasn't been an easy ride. After feeling unwell on and off for some time, in March 2022 my wonderful husband Gwynne began struggling for breath when exerting himself in any way and spent 10 days in hospital. This was an extremely worrying time for us all as he under went various tests and procedures to try and find out what was wrong. He ended up with pneumonia and infections as well as scarring in his lungs and was immediately put on a strong dose of antibiotics and oxygen to help him breathe. Little did we know at this point our lives were to change considerably.

Gwynne was discharged from hospital in April 2022 whilst still very poorly and has since been diagnosed with a degenerative lung condition - something which he will never recover from and will only get worse over time with the possibility of a lung transplant in the future. This has really hit us both hard and I'm not ashamed to say has massively affected my mental health. We have had to totally adapt and change our lifestyles and the way we do things. Gwynne is now on oxygen 24/7 and although it's me running the 26.2 miles in April 2024, everyday for him is like running a marathon, from going up and down stairs, to putting his socks on to picking up his son when staying with us and his daily tablet box is bursting at the seams. 

Life is tough but the support we've had from family, friends and work colleagues has been phenomenal and for me it's what has got me through this nightmare. Don't get me wrong some days are better than others and we can be a 'normal' couple (or as normal as I can be). 😂 We can go for a pint or a trip to Wales to see family or go out for tea but behind the scenes when days are tough they are really bloody tough and it's so hard as his wife to watch him go from a fit and healthy strong man to somebody so poorly. 

Saying this I don't think I could be any prouder of him and the way he has handled this whole situation, constantly telling me how lucky we really are and that there are people far worse off than us and that he's glad it's him that has the condition and not me or one of the kids. 

Unfortunately this last few months has been incredibly hard and as a result it looks like he's now going to have to give up work. He gave it a good go but it was just all too much for him and after being in the office for the morning he was coming home and heading straight to bed - something he would never have done in the past but the strain the illness is having on his body was just too much.

I'm running the London marathon for Lung UK in aid of my super hero husband and although he's a very private and proud man he's supporting me every step of the way. Please help by sponsoring me as much or as little as you can.

And to raise a bit extra I might even do a little sweepstake on how long it is before he starts doing my tits in being at home all the time! 😂

1 in 5 of us will have a lung condition during our lifetime. There's a new diagnosis every minute.I'm running The London Marathon 2024 for Asthma + Lung UK. Theyre the only UK charity that fights for everyones 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 UKs nurses to answer a call on the Helpline, offering potentially lifesaving advice. I'd be very grateful for any donations you could make!