I’m running the London Marathon 2027 in memory of Grandad Dave
Running the London Marathon 2027 for Asthma and Lung UK is deeply personal to me. I am doing this in memory of my grandad Dave, who we sadly lost in March 2025 to COPD, a disease that slowly changed so much for him and for all of us who loved him.
My grandad was one of a kind. He was cheeky, naughty, funny, and a true East End man through and through. He always had a story to tell, usually one that you wouldn’t believe, and he had a personality that would stick in your mind forever. He was strong, loving and full of character, and he meant the absolute world to me.
He was also incredibly talented with his hands. He loved woodwork and creating things, and he was a fantastic artist who loved painting. Seeing him gradually unable to do the things he once loved was incredibly hard for all of us.
COPD is a disease that affects not just breathing, but everyday life. Watching someone you love slowly lose parts of their independence and the hobbies that brought them joy is something that stays with you. It changed life for my grandad.
Losing him was hard. There are so many milestones in my life that I wish he had been here to see. I wish he had seen me complete my ACA qualification, something I worked incredibly hard for. I wish he had seen me buy my Mercedes, because I know he would have absolutely loved it. More than anything, I wish he was still here for the everyday moments, the chats, the laughs, and hearing another one of his stories.
After losing my grandad, I turned to running to help keep my mind well and to channel my grief into something positive. Running became more than just exercise. Now, after completing the Paris half marathon, taking on the London Marathon feels like the biggest and most meaningful challenge I could do in his memory (and it’s going to be TOUGH). 26.2. Miles.
I am running for Asthma and Lung UK to honour my grandad, raise awareness of COPD, and support research, care and support for people and families affected by lung disease. Every donation means so much. It helps fund support, awareness, and work that could make a difference to families going through similar experiences.
This marathon is for my grandad. For his humour, his strength, his stories, and the life he lived. I will carry him with me through every mile of the London Marathon. Thank you so much for supporting me and helping me do something meaningful in memory of a man who meant absolutely everything to me. 💙
