January 2021, I set myself a goal to run 26 miles (equivalent to a marathon) across the month as a fitness goal to mentally help me get through the second lockdown in January 2021.  It daunting going into a second lockdown knowing more what to expect after the first lockdown in 2020 and the worry kicked in of managing work and home-schooling so I knew I had to do something.  I was running little and often; I'd do a 3 mile run when it felt achievable and I'd clock up a mile or so running with my daughter Ava as a 'PE lesson' and it really helped my mind so much that I have not stopped running since.  Over the last two years I've run through the seasons changing, battled ice, rain and heatwaves and captured so many stunning photos of views of Andover and surrounding villages whilst on route!  

I had already decided back in 2021 that with my 40th birthday on the horizon for 2023 I would run a half marathon as a goal before turning 40. 

My daughter Ava is in the same class as Lacey’s brother Stanley Leggett.  I was aware of The Lacey Pearl Trust Fund, but after a conversation with Lacey’s Mum Lisa Leggett at the school gates one morning and hearing more about Mitochondrial Disease I knew in my mind I wanted to also run in Lacey’s memory and support the Leggett family to continue the fight against mitochondrial disease.  

Lacey had mitochondrial depletion disease within her TK2 gene which weakens the muscles and eventually leads to organ failure.  Mitochondrial Disease is incurable, and Lacey sadly passed away on 14th February 2014. 

The Lacey Pearl Trust Fund was formed to continue Lacey’s fight against mitochondrial disease by directly supporting families who care for children with mitochondrial disease at home and by raising awareness of the disease.  Most people have never heard of Mitochondrial Disease, which is where I am so keen to learn more and drive the awareness. In the UK about 10 million people suffer from diseases where mitochondrial dysfunction is believed to be involved.  Mitochondrial Disease is caused by the Mitochondria (which is found in nearly every cell and is responsible for producing energy) failing to produce enough energy for the cell or organ to function properly, causing less and less energy to be generated.