Imogen Kirk Henry

I’m running the London Marathon 2026 to fight for lung health!

Having asthma has always set me back when it comes to sport as I get out of breath quickly and often end up wheezing. So I’ve decided to set myself the ultimate challenge; running a marathon. I’m more determined than ever to show that having breathing difficulties shouldn’t stop you from achieving amazing things.

It all started from the moment I was born at 26 and a half weeks, with my lungs not having enough time to develop. I suffered three separate pneumothoraxes (lung collapses) and I spent the first four weeks of my life on breathing support and further six in NICU fighting to survive.

By the time I was seven, I’d had pneumonia five times, and anyone who knows me knows even a mild chest infection can hit me like a train because of my sensitive lungs.

Having had a few asthma attacks over the years, I know just how important it is to have preventative and reliever inhalers on hand and to follow a proper asthma control plan. 

The research funded by Asthma + Lung UK is the main reason I applied to run for them, to help support the future of lung health, whatever the condition.

I’m also running this in memory of my incredible Nanna Maureen, who passed away in 2019 after living with COPD and asthma 🤍🪽👼🏼

Let’s do this! 🏃🏼‍♀️🫁💜