Why I ran the Great North Run in memory of my sister Emily
Liz’s sister Emily passed away from severe asthma in 2014. This year, Liz decided to run the Great North Run in her memory. Here, she tells us Emily’s story, why she wanted to fundraise for Asthma UK and her experience at the Great North Run.
From a very young age I remember seeing the affect asthma had on Emily. It always felt like a huge part of our lives. When other people talked about asthma it seemed almost casual. I understood very early on that Emily's asthma was different. This is why I wanted to run the Great North Run for Asthma UK this year in her memory.
As I grew up with her, the hospital visits became more and more frequent. It was almost normalised in my family that she would be in and out of hospital, being given increasingly invasive treatment. Despite all of this she completed a medical degree and fulfilled her dream of becoming a doctor.
A few years into her promising career, Emily’s asthma became much worse
The disease left her wheelchair-bound and unable to walk more than a few feet without needing her oxygen mask. She couldn’t work anymore, and she wasn’t able to have children with her wonderful husband. Emily was 9 years older than me and was incredibly loving and nurturing when I was growing up. I know first-hand what an amazing mother she would have been.
Through everything her asthma threw at her, she took it all with the utmost determination and grace. Asthma took everything from her and she kept on going. She would laugh and make jokes every time I visited her in hospital. She would throw the most amazing dinners and parties. She did it all with the bravest of faces. I miss her every single day.
Whether mild or severe, asthma is a potentially life-threatening illness. Asthma affects 5.4 million people in the UK. Within that figure, around 4% of people have severe asthma like Emily’s. From a young age, Emily had consultations with some of the best asthma specialists in the UK. They worked so hard for so long to try and stop the disease from taking her life.
I ran the Great North Run to raise money for Asthma UK, so they can find more ways to help people like Emily.
I was not an avid runner by any means and the concept of running 21km was extremely daunting. But in January of 2020 I decided to just go for it and booked my place on the GNR 2020. Having a place and knowing I would be running the half-marathon forced me to get out and start training – fear is a great motivator!
I found running difficult, but I just kept going, and was happy to see my fitness improving more and more every time I went out until eventually, I could run 5km fairly easily.
Sadly, the GNR 2020 was cancelled due to COVID, but I decided to keep running regularly through the lockdowns, which had a really positive impact on my mental health. Running is now a vital part of my personal wellbeing.
I was very anxious as the day of the GNR 2021 got closer. I was terrified that I wouldn’t be able to finish it, and would let myself down, as well as everyone who had sponsored me.
I was so proud to be part of the event and to be running for Asthma UK in memory of Emily.
Once I got to the start line, I was filled with emotion, remembering why I was running and raising money. At the halfway point I felt good, and I convinced myself to run all the way, not stopping to walk at any point.
Just when I was thinking about giving up and stopping to walk, I saw the lovely team from Asthma UK cheering from the side of the road. They spotted my purple top and started shouting my name and cheering me on. I was bursting with pride as I held up the Asthma UK logo from my top and gave them a massive smile as I ran past. It was such a joyful feeling, and it gave me the extra motivation I needed to complete the run.
I am so pleased to have trained for and completed this event and to have done it on behalf of Asthma UK. If you’re thinking of running or doing a challenge to raise money for this charity I cannot recommend it enough. I am so grateful for all the support from the Asthma UK staff, prior to the run, on the day and afterwards as well.
I hope my fundraising can help to improve the lives of people with Asthma. I’m extremely proud to have run in honour of Emily and I’m confident for the future that Asthma UK can give to people with asthma.
Do you want to run for Asthma UK in the Great North Run like Liz? Apply for a place in our 2022 team today!
Where there’s Christmas, there’s hope
Last winter, the cost of running our Helpline was £182,754. This is expected to increase in 2021 as more people turn to us for support. Please donate today and help make sure we can be there for everyone who needs us.