I will be running the 2025 Manchester Marathon in memory of my late cousin Faye, who sadly lost her fight against Mitochondrial disease in June of last year. Faye started her own support group called Leigh Network back in 2010. This group supports and brings together families affected by Mitochondrial Diseases. As Mitochondrial Diseases are generally life-limiting, most of the people Leigh Network support are extremely ill and so benefit hugely from the work they do.

Faye was diagnosed at 12 and over the years it affected her mobility, speech and sight. Faye started Leigh Network because for her, my auntie and my Uncle, Mandy and Martin, there was very little support or information available. Faye lost her baby brother, and Mandy and Martin their son, to a Mitochondrial illness when he was just 19 months old.

Leigh Network recognises that Mitochondrial Disease can affect anyone at any age. Their families are made up of babies, older children and adults and they wanted to ensure that everyone's needs and wishes are catered for when they get together. They arrange gatherings all over the UK. These can take different formats, from a formal meeting with guest speakers (who specialise in Mitochondrial Diseases), to a family fun day out! They try to make these days as fun as possible for the children and want to help families to make magical memories. They also always donate a proportion of funds raised to Newcastle University, which is where most Mito research takes place at this time.

Thank you to everyone supporting my fundraising efforts, this one is for you Faye!