Rich's 12 Marathons in 12 Months – Running for Hearts

In 2016, I spent four weeks in hospital, diagnosed with heart failure and unable to walk more than 20 feet. Ten years on, I’m marking a decade of living with the condition in the most “me” way I can think of – by running. And not just one race… but 12 marathons in 12 months.

I’m taking on this challenge to support two charities close to my heart – Pumping Marvellous, the UK’s patient-led heart failure charity, and Take Heart, which supports the Leeds General Infirmary where I received life-changing care.

Heart failure affects around a million people in the UK, yet awareness and understanding of the condition remain low. I want to raise vital funds for those affected and shine a light on what living with heart failure really looks like.

Running became part of my life after my diagnosis – not before. It has been central to both my physical and mental wellbeing, helping me manage the condition and proving that, even with heart failure, you can still push boundaries.

Your support means more than just donations – it’s a message of encouragement to everyone living with heart failure that life doesn’t have to stop after diagnosis.