A long-term asthma sufferer is out to prove the condition needn’t hold you back as she prepares to take part in this years Virgin London Marathon 2020 at their 40th Anniversary event. Renee will be hitting the ground running on Sunday 26th April, as she takes on the 26.2 miles to raise vital funds for Asthma UK and is managing with the right medication to put in the hard miles of training.
Renee, a 49 year old living in Crayford, Kent, has taken on the challenge to run, because she has suffered from Asthma since the age of 18 years old. Having also lost members of her family she has also watched her Mum suffer with bad and frightening attacks too! Further to this, in January 2016, she was diagnosed with the early stages of Emphysema. This came as quite a devastating blow knowing her time on this earth will be limited and for now regularly runs to keep her lung function as high as possible for as long as she possibly can.
Renee is hoping to raise up to £2,000 for Asthma UK, the leading asthma charity which offers health advice and support through its telephone helpline for the 5.4 million people living with asthma in the UK. The charity also funds research into finding better treatments and ultimately a cure for asthma.
Renee said: “I am honoured and privileged to be given this amazing opportunity to run for Asthma UK. Whilst I know about my lung conditions and what that means, I know that eventually my lungs will slowly fill up and restrict my breathing, so later in my life I will need the support and help of these wonderful charities and intensive medical assistance. I wish to raise money for those less fortunate than I am, to show that these conditions need not hold you back and to keep running to keep breathing for as long as I am able.”
Rachel Devereux, Director of Fundraising at Asthma UK, said:
“Asthma affects 5.4million people in the UK and can have a huge impact on people’s lives, leaving them to struggling to breathe and affecting their health, work and relationships. Tragically, asthma attacks claim the lives of three people every day. That’s why our work at Asthma UK is vital. Our nurses provide life-saving health advice to help people with asthma stay well and we fund research to help find a cure.
“We can only do this thanks to our generous fundraisers and we want to thank Renee along with all of our runners for their hard work and dedication in training for taking on this iconic event. We’re asking members of the public to donate to Renee’s fundraising page and support their incredible journey. We hope that the rest of Renee’s training goes well, and wish her the best of luck for the big day.”
To donate please visit Renee’s fundraising page: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/YoungLadyRen
Having an asthma attack is incredibly frightening, and one occurs every 10 seconds in the UK. An attack happens when the airways start to tighten, which can leaving people coughing, wheezing and gasping for breath. Some people with asthma describe having an asthma attack as feeling like a pillow is being held over their face.