The last couple of years have been very difficult for everybody and doubtless will leave behind a sense of loss in many of us.

In my case I will miss dearly my uncle Jaime, he died due to heart complications after being infected with Covid-19, but also Kostas, my sister in law's father who sadly died recently due to heart disease.

I am a scientist working in the field of cardiovascular genetics at the Institute of Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen, and these events have made me realise even more the importance of our work and of our scientific community. It is highly challenging but with the help of charities such as our funders, the BHF, we are slowly able to better understand many aspects of heart muscle biology in health and disease.

When I found out that I could run at the 2022 London Marathon raising funds for the BHF and representing the University of Aberdeen, I jumped at the opportunity, for me it is a privilege. I am especially pleased to be able to finally give back to an organisation that for many years has enabled my development as a scientist.

The BHF has funded my work in understanding many aspects of the formation of the heart, and recently it funded my work on the detailed role of a molecular signalling mechanism, known as WNT signalling, during heart muscle formation.

I took up running some years ago for my own well-being and slowly I found myself enjoying it more and more, especially running by the beach in Aberdeen.

I am hopeful that I can share many enjoyable moments with you but I know that it will be a difficult and challenging journey to the finish line,  in any case I will feel highly motivated if I am able to raise a lot of money for cardiovascular research with your help. It is all for a very good cause, and I will certainly keep telling that to myself during my training.

I will be immensely grateful for your support! Thank you in advance.

Victor