I'm running the London Marathon for the NHS...

My name's Betsy and I am proud to say that I will be running the London Marathon 2024 on behalf of a charity that is extremely close to my heart - The NHS Charities Together Association.

In January 2023; just days before her birthday, my mum was blue-lighted to Queens Hospital Romford with what could only be described as at the time some 'fluid' on her brain. My mum's health dramatically changed for the worse that day and she had lost complete control over her mind and body - we thought she was having a stroke.

Although the scans confirmed that a stroke was not the cause for her deterioration of health, our worst nightmares were brought to reality when they explained that Mum had a rare infection caused by her sinus system directly on her brain. It was fatal if not operated on immediately. Post-surgery, her recovery was not plane-sailing and she was placed into an induced coma to stop her seizures and allow her body to rest.

Fast forward to now 17th of July, my mum's infection had returned twice and in total, she has received 3 life-saving brain surgeries and is slowly recovering from the last.

I can honestly say, with my hand on my heart - the NHS saved my mum's life. The true cost of her surgeries, scans and medication would have meant that we would not have been able to afford her treatment and the outcome could have been heartbreaking if we weren't under the National Health Service.

I am honoured to have been given an exclusive and sought-after space to run the London Marathon on the NHS's behalf and therefore I am asking you to donate as much or as little as you can to help me raise money for such a life-changing cause and to show my gratitude and thanks for saving my mum.

Thank you for your kind support, I appreciate it so much.

See you at the finish line!

Love from Betsy x