As some of you might know, our Mum, Lorraine, had open heart surgery last year and was helped by the amazing team at the Bristol Heart Institute.

To give you some back story, Mum knew of a heart murmur from a young age but the doctors said it was nothing to worry about back then. It’s quite incredible to think that she’s run marathons without thinking, with what was believed to be a murmur. But about 5 years ago she was becoming increasingly fatigued, having lived an active life she knew something was up. She thought it best to check with a Doctor, one thing led to another, and countless scans later she was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease called Ebstein's Anomaly. It was simplified to us that half of her heart wasn’t working properly and she was higher up the priority list for an operation.

We were all in shock, you never think anything will go wrong, especially not with your parents and even if something does happen, never to this severity. It’s the first time I contemplated losing a parent which is a horrible thought, we all know it will happen one day but if you’re lucky, it’s not something you’re aware of in your 20’s.

She had her operation last June and has fortunately, made a succesful recovery. The team at the BHI were amazing, from catering and cleaning to the nurse staff, they were all incredible.

So, I've signed up for my first ever Marathon and will be participating in the Stratford Upon Avon Marathon on the 21st April. I never got the chance to thank all of the team in person but hopefully this money helps the them continue the great work they do.