My name is Louise Brooker; I am a mother of three and I work in the Accounts Team at Arolite Ltd.  I am extremely passionate about exercise, health & nutrition and subsequently, I am a very keen sportsperson; in particular, running (marathon distance).  In April 2022 I ran a 'Good for Age' marathon qualifying time of 3hrs 44 minutes and was subsequently awarded a spot in the prestigious Virgin London Marathon 2023.  London marathon is one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors and getting a toe on the renowned start line is extremely difficult.

Every single year I am in awe of the thousands of runners who take to the streets of London to raise much needed funds to help support the thousands of incredible charities who are a life-line to many.  
Because of this, I have decided to dedicate my London Marathon 23 journey to Gary Smith, the much missed brother of Tracy Field who is another much-valued member of the Accounts Team here at Arolite Ltd.  

Tracy's brother Gary was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin in 2016 & was fortunate enough to be given a lung transplant in July 2018.  However, sadly, Gary lost his life to this cruel disease in May 2019 at the age of 52.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an inherited disease affecting the lungs and liver.  Symptoms of this disease may start to appear at any time in life.  The symptoms may begin in a single age range, or during several age ranges. 

I would be extremely grateful if you would be generous enough to  help support myself and Arolite Ltd in raising money for this worthy charity and be part of something very special for the Arolite Ltd Team.

**The Alpha-1 UK Support Group is a charity founded by those diagnosed with the genetic condition alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) who are dedicated to help, advise and support fellow sufferers, their families, carers and friends. They have a 24-year history of providing information, advice and practical and financial support to AATD affected individuals.   They campaign to heighten the awareness of AATD and the burden of living with this condition; they work collaboratively with expert clinicians and politicians to effectively communicate the unmet needs of the AATD affected community to policy makers; and they design and drive initiatives to improve access to adequate healthcare services and effective treatments for AATD affected individuals across the UK.

Thank you for taking the time and effort to raise funds for Alpha-1 UK Support Group. If you'd like to find out more about us, pop over to our website alpha1.org.uk and don't forget to tag us in your social media !Alpha1.org.uk #a1uksupportgroupIf you'd like us to write a piece about your challenge then please get in contact with us at tmj@alpha1uk.onmicrosoft.com We appreciate you choosing to support us,Alpha-1 UK Support Group

**taken from Alpha-1 Support Group website.