Hannah Odonovan

I’m running the London Marathon 2025 to fight for lung health!

Every minute, someone in the UK is diagnosed with a lung condition. In January 2023 I suffered from pneumonia, anti-biotics didn’t work and when I told doctors they did not listen. Since then I had a respiratory tract infection for 8 months in a row having anti-biotics every month, some times even twice a month. We all know the NHS waiting lists are extremely long, but due to the long wait to be seen by a respiratory consultant, my respiratory infections were not being treated appropriately and GP’s did not know what else they could do. Because I didn’t have a diagnosis at this time A&E doctors did not know the cause and each time told me i could be treated in the community, even though anti-biotics didn’t work, I had a constant wheeze and my highest peak flow was 200. A few months ago after seeing the respiratory consultant I was diagnosed with asthma and bronchiectasis. Asthma is a common lung condition that can impact an individuals ability to breathe and bronchiectasis is a long term condition causing an individuals airway of the lung to become abnormally widened making that person vulnerable to infection. Since my diagnosis I have had additional chest infections, one resulting in my GP sending me to a&e due to the severity of this chest infection causing an asthma attack. Having asthma and bronchiectasis increases the chances of having chest infections and when you get these infections they don’t just cause you to cough and give you a temperature but they affect your whole body and ability to fulfil your daily activities. Not being able to breathe is one of the scariest experiences and with asthma having no treatment only medications to control the symptoms it is essential for people to be aware of how dangerous asthma and lung conditions can be, and to support funding for those who suffer to provide them with the best care and outcomes. To show my support I will be running the London Marathon 2025 for Asthma + Lung UK. Asthma + lung UK are the only UK charity that fights for everyone’s right to breathe. Every pound I'm able to raise will take us a step closer to a world where everyone has healthy lungs.

Just £22 allows one of Asthma + Lung UK's nurses to answer a call on the Helpline, offering potentially lifesaving advice. I'd be very grateful for any donations you could make!