Hi everyone! Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Some of you may know already, but I’m currently being tested for a condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Heart Disease is something that a lot of my family have been affected by, on both sides of the family.

Amongst those relatives who have suffered with heart problems, and those that have died from them, is my granddad, who died at just 35 years old from sudden cardiac arrest.

It is now believed that this was due to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition, and it is caused by a mutation in one or more genes. It is a condition that is passed through families, sometimes skipping generations, and can develop at any time. Each child of someone with HCM has a 50 per cent chance of inheriting the condition. About 1 in 500 of the UK population has the condition.

The Cardiomyopathy Association is a charity that provides information and support to families affected by the heart muscle disease cardiomyopathy – and not just Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. There are several different types of Cardiomyopathy, which you can read more about on the Cardiomyopathy Association’s website: http://www.cardiomyopathy.org/index.html.

During the testing for this condition, I’ve had a good think about how I can improve the condition of my heart, and my health in general, so that even if I am not tested positive for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, I can look after my heart, the best I can, and try to prevent the heart disease that has spread through my family.

Those of you that know me will know I’m not much of an exerciser. Ever the trier, I often have good intentions, but especially since having Max, my exercise levels have dropped significantly, unless you count running around the house after a toddler as cardio!

Despite this, I have agreed to run the Great Manchester Run on behalf of The Cardiomyopathy Association. Not only will the training for this improve my health and fitness, it’s also an opportunity for me to raise some valuable and much needed funds for the charity. I’ve never been a runner. In fact, before my primary school sports days I would cry, and even my parents would tease me – describing my running style as “here’s my head and my arse will follow”. I was also known to pretend I had a music lesson in high school to get out of cross country… but I’m definitely going to give it my best shot. I have plenty of time to get training, although any encouragement will be appreciated along the way!

The Cardiomyopathy Association asks that I raise a minimum of £250, so if you could donate even a pound, I’d really appreciate it. I will be posting updates on how I’m getting on in my training via facebook, and I’m afraid I will become one of those annoying people that keep asking for sponsorship – but I promise, the charity is a really worthy cause, and one that is definitely worth giving even a little donation to. Thanks in advance!

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.