So, why did I run and why did I run for CRY?

In 2016, during labour, I suffered heart failure. Happily, I gave birth to my beautiful, healthy, baby girl and, despite being very poorly myself, I was so happy to be a Mummy. I have been on a long, hard journey over the past years, and eventually heart specialists have diagnosed me with a Cardiomyopathy, which was pre-existing to pregnancy and labour. It is still unknown if I have had this Cardiomyopathy my entire life and been unaware. I am so lucky, my Cardiomyopathy does not massively impact my daily life. However, there are many people out there who have lost loved ones to a heart condition.

During the first lockdown, when COVID hit, I went on a very personal journey to improve my health, fitness and mental well-being and, also with the hope, that more exercise, would slightly improve my heart function. Having never run in my entire life (having walked Race for Life in the past) I started a Couch to 5K. I worked hard. I persevered. I found it hard but I wanted so much to run. I started to run 5K’s a couple of times a week. I was so proud of myself. By the second lockdown, I had the running bug! In 2021 I ran, Run Reigate, and completed my first ever 10K!!! I ran this run for Cardiomyopathy UK because I want to raise awareness of heart conditions.

Last year, in 2022, I turned 40 years old, and I ran the Run Reigate Half Marathon for CRY. This was my first EVER Half Marathon! It was an incredible achievement for me.

I have made it my mission to raise funds for different heart charities or for people who have lost a loved one to Cardiomyopathy. This year, in 2023, I run another Half Marathon for Ruben’s Fund.