My Story……

In 2012 my world was devastated by the diagnosis of my daughter “India” with Mitochondrial disease” a degenerative and life limiting condition with no cure or treatment. Not a day ever passes when I don’t think about it, But I made a promise to myself to be the best Dad and give her the best life I could, as our family headed into an unknown future, all whilst having a son with severe Autism, non-verbal and dealing with the additional challenges that brought.

I’m proud to say India has grown into a truly a special daughter, and not just because she’s mine. She’s often in pain, lost all her so-called friends, when she got worse and remains somewhat lonely. However, she always tries to find a smile and looks for the good in the world. I’ve never ever seen her get really cross, shout or use any bad language, she loves life, animals and travel and has just gained her first-class degree.

There's been plenty of Highs and Lows, and we’ve done some amazing things together, all supported by Mum, while she looked after our son. I’ve met some special people on my life journey so far and was incredibly inspired by a very special person called “Faye” who we sadly lost this year to the disease. I’m 55yrs old this year and decided I needed to improve my Health and help fight for funding. I am therefore delighted to announce that I applied and was accepted to join “Team Lilly” running the London Landscapes half Marathon on 6th April 2025, representing the Lilly Foundation charity for research into Mitochondrial disease. I really want to help them raise much needed money into funding research and drug trials that might help India one day and all the Mito community.

I’m very fortunate to have some good friends in my life and hope that you’ll all come out and support me in my challenge by sponsoring me and sharing my story with friends and colleagues. If you see me out and about, running or training, come and say hello, give me a wave or beep of the horn and let me know Your supporting me. I’ll give regular updates on the training and the highs and lows of training in the colds and rain.

The Lily Foundation was founded in Lily's memory, having lost her battle to Mitochondrial Disease at just eight months old. The charity aims to give hope, answers and support to the many other children and families that face the challenges of this disease today.

Did you know every twenty minutes a child is born who will develop Mitochondrial Disease by the age of 16! There is no cure for this disease which is for many, debilitating and life limiting.

Please stand with us and fight Mitochondrial Disease and fight for hope.