In October 2024, just moments after crossing the finish line of a half marathon, I collapsed with seizures and went into cardiac arrest. Paramedics treated me on the scene and discovered I was having a heart attack. My ‘down time’, the period I spent without a heartbeat, was seven minutes. I was placed into an induced coma, and in December 2024, underwent open-heart surgery.

At one stage, my family were warned that I might never walk or talk again. To be able to return to exercise, something that has always been such a huge part of my life, is something I’ll never take for granted.

One year later, in October 2025, I set myself a challenge to run 5K every single day to raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), a charity dedicated to preventing young sudden cardiac death. I was drawn to their work to identify heart conditions through screening, fund vital research, and support young people and families affected by cardiac issues. I’m incredibly grateful to have been given a second chance at life, and I want to use it to raise awareness and support for others.