Cardiomyopathy affects around 1 in 250 people in the UK, and isn’t a single condition, but a group of conditions that affect the structure of the heart and reduces its ability to pump blood around the body. There are at least 160,000 people in the UK living with cardiomyopathy. 

My dad suffered with cardiomyopathy as a result of getting the flu virus, in 2004. (Flu can lead to myocarditis that, if left untreated, can develop into cardiomyopathy).

When I was growing up, my dad would run every morning before driving down to London for work - he is very much the reason I run, and got into running and sports, in general - and it seems apt to run the London marathon, in his memory.

For those close to me, you’ll know how much I love running… it’s always been my escape and therapy over the years (even ran every day of the year in 2021, and covered over 2,045 miles, for fun!!), and yet after losing my Dad, earlier this year, I found that I had no desire to run… at all. What had once been my safe haven, had now become my kryptonite.

With only just over four months of training, this is going to be as much a physical challenge, as it is an emotional one, and I’d be grateful for any support you can give to this incredible charity who help and support those affected by cardiomyopathy.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.