20 years ago I was diagnosed with severe adult onset asthma and it controlled me. I learnt how to control the attacks and how to relax with it but it is debilitating. It took over my life and controlled what I could do, which led to massive weight gain and no physical activity. I couldn’t exert myself for longer than 20 seconds without being completely breathless and needing my inhalers and bordering an attack. 

In July 2020, with the help of my family, I made the decision to take back control as being a shielder and over weight we knew what the consequences would be. I started with walking for 4 minutes and running for 30 seconds and built my way up from here. 

I am now in control of me and my asthma and have lost 2.5 stone to date, and although I’m getting older and my body suffers with injuries, I never thought I would be here and if one person with asthma  can read this and learn that we can control it, then the marathon hard work that I am doing is all worthwhile 

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 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!