Last Christmas I lost my father to heart failure.

In the months that followed all I wanted to do was walk. I would take our dogs out in all kinds of weather and just walk around the New Forest for hours and hours.

This year I am doing the same thing but with much more purpose.

On 4th & 5th May I am taking part in the Isle of Wight ultra. Walking 106km around the perimeter of the island. And I’m doing it to raise money for the @British Heart Foundation.

I know I’m far too old for birthday gifts but please don’t even buy me a card or a drink this year. Instead please consider donating whatever you can.

Heart disease is complex, brutal and often long term.

My father had battled issues with his heart for over 20years, including a whole year after his heart actually failed. I never even knew that was possible. I never really understood the journey we were on with his health until it was over. But it is a miracle he lived as long as he did and I am very grateful to every piece of research, every specialist and every medicine that helped him to do that.

Many of us live with health risk factors, some we know about and some we don’t. I really hope that with greater understanding we can all do more to prevent or at least diminish these.

Thank you for your support.

Ruth