Registering for my second marathon was not a decision I took lightly. Having previously committed and failed to run my 1,000 miles in a year challenge, I was living in fear of the further humiliation I may endure should I once again not complete my proposed challenge. I therefore decided that I would apply to only two charities which are both extremely close to my heart and should I not get a place I would phase out the marathon idea without anyone being any the wiser. However, having been placed on the waitlist for both charities, Heart Research UK phoned me to offer me a place and suddenly the London Marathon 2024 became a reality!

I will be running this for my Dad.  I know I will be able to get there for my Dad and for anyone else who has ever had a parent with heart disease or issues with strokes. Raising this money could make a difference.

For anyone who does not know this is the story of my Dad. The day after christmas 2021 my darling father passed away at home alone. Having suffered years of ill health and 4 serious strokes he was very disabled and sad with what he called 'his lot'. He saw hundreds of doctors over the years and his prognosis was always that they couldn't find a cure and sadly making him comfortable was far more achievable than actually getting him better.

My dad was an incredible sports enthusiast and generally a good time guy, his failing health caused him to give up and took away his mobility and most of his pleasures. Socialising changed to sitting with him while he lay in bed and him having to wait patiently (sometimes not patiently) to be brought food as getting to the fridge was too hard. He faced this with a strength and stoicism that was admirable. He kept making jokes, teasing us relentlessly and telling us stories with funny, theatrical voices. When he eventually passed it was cited to be down to pneumonia and heart disease. This is why I am here and doing this marathon. 

If the money I raise can prevent one person from having the journey he had or to allow better resources and more understanding of this horrible issue then it will be worth every 6am run in the dark, every blister, every ache and pain. 

I welcome any company on any of my runs and thank you all in advance for your donations ;)

Please give generously to this life changing cause.