Melissa Black

I’m running the for Asthma + Lung UK!

Most people never have to think about breathing. For my mum, every breath has been a battle for the past 11 years.

When I was a teenager, my mum became seriously ill with brittle asthma, and our lives changed overnight. The woman who had always been full of energy and life suddenly faced a disease that can be frightening, unpredictable and incredibly debilitating.

For the past 11 years, I’ve watched her fight through hospital visits, setbacks and daily challenges that most people never see. Despite everything, she has remained the most incredible mum, raising me and my younger sister Hayley, who also has asthma. Even on the hardest days, she has always found ways to keep our family strong and find the joy in life.

Last year, my mum fought incredibly hard to achieve something that meant the world to both of us - walking me down the aisle at my wedding. It was a moment I will treasure forever, knowing the strength it took for her to be there.

Now it’s my turn to do something for her. 

On the 24th May, I will be running the Edinburgh Half Marathon - 13.1 miles to raise money for Asthma + Lung UK, a charity that funds vital research, supports people living with lung conditions and campaigns for better care and treatment.

Running 13.1 miles will be a huge challenge for me. But it is nothing compared to the daily challenge of living with severe asthma.

If you’re able to donate, no matter how big or small, it would mean so much. Every contribution helps support research, support families living with asthma, and bring hope to people facing the same daily battles.

If donating isn’t possible, sharing this page would make a huge difference.

Every donation, every share and every message of support will help push me through those 13.1 miles on 24th May.

I’m running for my mum.

I’m running for families affected by asthma.

And together we can help make a difference.

Thank you so much for your support. 

Every minute, someone in the UK is diagnosed with lung disease. I want to make a difference. 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!