I’m running for the Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke Foundation because heart and stroke illness has shaped my life in the most personal, painful, and defining ways. I lost my granda to a stroke and that loss is something I carry with me every day. He wasn’t just my granda, he was a huge part of my life, someone who meant so much to me and to our whole family. Losing him so suddenly and cruelly changed everything, and it made me realise just how devastating stroke and heart conditions can be, not just in the moment, but in the way they stay with you forever. In December, my heart was broken in a way I’m still trying to process. I lost one of my closest friends to heart issues. It was sudden, unfair, and devastating. The kind of loss that stays with you, that changes how you see everything. There are no words that fully capture that grief — only the silence they leave behind and the memories you hold onto. My mum lives with heart issues every single day. I see firsthand the strength it takes for her to keep going, to push through the worry, the bad days, the uncertainty, and the physical toll it brings. It’s not something that ever switches off. It’s constant, and yet she carries on in a way that I can only describe as incredible. Watching her face that daily struggle has given me a deep understanding of what living with heart disease really means, not just for the person, but for everyone who loves them. That’s why this matters so much to me. This isn’t just a charity I’m choosing to support — it’s a cause that is woven into my life, my family, and my loss. Every mile I run is for my granda, for my mum and the strength she shows every day, and for my friend who should still be here. I’m running to honour them, to raise awareness, and to support the work that helps people live longer, stronger lives — and to help prevent other families from feeling this same heartbreak. Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Your support is really appreciated.