Hello everyone,

I'm Josh,

I've recently embarked on a new long distance challenge, taking on three of the UK's most iconic races—the Great North Run, the Manchester Half Marathon, and the prestigious London Marathon.

Beyond just personal achievements, I've chosen to raise awareness and support for the charity Cardiomyopathy UK.

My connection with Cardiomyopathy UK began with a life curveball for my family. My younger brother, Ben, was diagnosed with myocarditis at the age of 23 which is considered rare. Myocarditis is the inflammation of the myocardium (heart muscle). The symptoms can be very similar to a heart attack and can in some cases result in cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle, where the walls of the heart chambers have become stretched, thickened or stiff.

It was a terrifying experience that required a week-long hospital stay and a halt of all other plans. The exact cause of his (and others) myocarditis remains a mystery, complicated further by the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 and its potential impact on heart health.

Unfortunately the story didn't end there. A year later, my brother faced a second round of myocarditis which is extremely rare and unlucky. This brought about questions on what the trigger might be?

For more information on Cardiomyopathy UK, check out their website.

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I've decided to push my limits in these three race events-

Great North Run - 10th September

Manchester Half Marathon- 15th October

London Marathon- 21st April 2024

I am aiming for a pb in the Manchester half (sub 1:37) and the London marathon (sub 3:17). I will be updating the page with my training as I go.

By participating in these events under the banner of Cardiomyopathy UK, I aim to:

- Honour my brother's strength and resilience in the face of adversity. I'm very proud of him.

- Pay tribute to the medical professionals who've provided invaluable support and care.

- Facilitate better access to treatment for people dealing with these conditions.

- Contribute to a future where families dealing with similar uncertainties can find answers and solace through ongoing research.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ismail and the NHS at St Thomas for their exceptional care during this challenging time. Their dedication has been unwavering.

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Together, we can make a meaningful impact, raise awareness, and fund critical research that may provide answers to the questions that still loom large in the lives of many families.

Please join me on this journey as I run for hearts and for a healthier future.

Thank you for being a part of a cause that's so close to my heart (well my brother's).

With much gratitude,

Josh