Why?

I was younger than I can even remember when my mum was first diagnosed with Aspergillosis. For as long as I can remember, she has battled this disease, one that most people have never heard of, but which has completely shaped her life. I’ve seen first-hand how it affects her daily, with constant hospital visits, long stays, and endless rounds of antibiotics just to help her breathe and manage her pain. Most recently, she spent two weeks in hospital, only being discharged yesterday once doctors were happy with her lung function.

Aspergillosis is a serious fungal disease that attacks the lungs, and for many patients, it’s a lifelong struggle. Despite how severe it is, awareness is still extremely low and treatment options are limited. These are two of the biggest challenges people with Aspergillosis face. Drug resistance is also on the rise because the same antifungal medications that patients rely on, like Azoles, are widely used in farming pesticides, making the fungus stronger and harder to treat. As resistance grows, the need for new treatments and investment in research is more urgent than ever.

That’s why the Aspergillosis Trust is so important. They work to raise awareness, fund research, and improve diagnosis. My mum, Lisa, is the Chair of the Board for the charity, using her lived experience to make a real difference for others facing this disease, and something I'm forever proud of her for. The work they do is vital, especially because Aspergillosis is often misdiagnosed as Asthma or COPD, meaning many people go years without the right treatment.

Beth has also recently been diagnosed with asthma after limited testing, as only a FeNO test was done. This test indicated inflammation in the airways, leading to the prescription of inhalers and a diagnosis of asthma. However, FeNO levels can suggest a variety of conditions, not just asthma, and may not always give a complete picture. With this in mind and our knowledge of Aspergillosis. How do people fight for correct diagnosis, when conditions can be so similar?

This is why me & Beth are running the London Landmarks half marathon, to raise awareness, raise funds, and help push for better research and treatments for people like my mum. The Aspergillosis Trust UK works tirelessly to improve patient care, provide essential information, and increase understanding among medical professionals. But they need support to keep going.

Every mile we run is for those who struggle to breathe.

If you can, please donate and support us on this journey.

Equally you can have a laugh at how unprepared we may be by following our Strava & giving us kudos when we eventually get out on our runs.

Syd & Beth xx