Why I’m Running 40 Miles for Myositis UK And Why It Matters

I love running. I hate running. Like many, I have a love-hate relationship with it. But the reason I ever laced up my trainers for the first time is now facing something far tougher than any finish line: myositis.

If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. Myositis is a rare and cruel muscle-wasting disease that slowly attacks the very thing most of us take for granted—our ability to move. There’s no cure yet. But there is something we can do.

I’m running for the person who got me into this in the first place. He co-led the Couch to 5K course I nervously joined at my local club, Sherfield Park Runners. He’s paced me at parkruns, cheered me on through my first half marathon and stuck with me through some brutal trail races. Now it’s my turn to show up for him.

On Saturday 13th September, I’ll take on my biggest running challenge yet: a near 40-mile run from Myositis UK HQ in Southampton all the way back to my village pub, The Four Horseshoes in Sherfield on Loddon. It’s a mix of road, trail and pure grit. I’ll be carrying a Myositis UK flag and rucksack, because this run is about more than just me.

At the finish line, The Four Horseshoes will host a village fun day with raffles, a bouncy castle, cake sale, stalls and more. Sherfield Park Runners are also joining in by running 1-mile laps of the village with a “guess the distance” challenge. It’s a full community effort and every step counts.

I get that times are tough. But for some, they’re tougher still. If you can spare anything, no matter how small, it truly helps. Let’s raise awareness, raise some funds and maybe even raise a few eyebrows at how far love (and a good cause) can take us.

👉 Donate here via JustGiving