Lisa Gregory

OMG its happening...I'm running a marathon (and for an amazing cause too)

As some of you may know, but many of you probably don't, I was diagnosed with Asthma at just 6 years old. To this day I still remember the first time i was shown how to use an inhaler, how my hands were too small to use the aerosol ones and the variety of different inhalers, capsules and discs i have been prescribed over the years.

When I was first given a peak flow to use at home, I was also given a booklet to track my score, and a book about Asthma which had a dinosaur/dragon as the main character which was provided/designed by Asthma UK and really helped me understand and encouraged me to manage my condition.

After missing out on a ballot place, when I saw i could run for Asthma + Lung UK I thought it was the perfect match to fundraise for a charity that did, and still does, so much to support me and so many others.

At university I went without incident for so long my GP decided to phase out my meds thinking I had grown out of Asthma, but after a week long visit to Manchester Royal infirmary via A&E decided it was probably best we stuck with them!

I never enjoyed sports as a child but started running the year before I got married to get a bit fitter. I went in phases of completing NHS couch to 5k then stopping once I had achieved a 5k.

During Covid I built up to running 10k then ran a couple of half marathons. These were no organised events, I just thought I'd see how far I can run! I always ran alone and on my own terms but in summer 2023 I finally took myself along to Parkrun and got the bug.

I am running the marathon to inspire others with Asthma, and fundraise to support others with lung conditions too. As a kid who struggled with cross country, I would never have believed something like this was possible, and I want to show everyone that being on medication for life only stops you as much as you allow it to.

Every minute, someone in the UK is diagnosed with a lung condition. I'm running the London Marathon 2026 for Asthma + Lung UK, the only UK charity that fights for everyone’s right to breathe. Every pound I'm able to raise will take us a step closer to a world where everyone has healthy lungs.

Just £22 allows one of Asthma + Lung UK's nurses to answer a call on the Helpline, offering potentially lifesaving advice. I'd be very grateful for any donations you could make!