I’ll make Matt proud - running the London Marathon for my brother

Our supporter Mia ran the London Marathon this year for Asthma + Lung UK in memory of her brother, Matthew, who passed away from an asthma attack. Here she tells us why she chose to take on the challenge.

Mia, Asthma + Lung UK supporter
Published 6th December 2024

Matthew was one of a kind. He loved his family and spending time with his friends. He had recently moved out and worked for the NHS as a lab assistant. He was also an impressive runner and stayed very fit despite his asthma.

One of my favourite memories of Matthew is when we travelled to Rome to celebrate his 21st birthday. He loved to travel, and his last trip was to Bordeaux, where he sadly passed away after a long weekend away backpacking.

A day into his trip, we received a phone call telling us that Matthew had an asthma attack on a bridge and went into cardiac arrest. There was a very kind person who tried to perform CPR on the bridge, but nothing could be done to save him.

Matthew was only 25 years old when he passed away, due to this he was able to donate three healthy organs, including to a 12-year-old girl who received his heart. Matthew is a true hero, an astonishing young man and so generous in life and death.

I was so pleased to be able to honour my brother

I really enjoyed my marathon training but I found it difficult managing the training around my work. I’m also studying for my solicitor’s qualification exams and a masters. However, I love a challenge and I was so pleased to be able to raise so much money for the charity and honour my brother.

I can’t really make sense of what happened, particularly when asthma is so common but if I can help to raise money for such a special cause and spread awareness of just how serious the condition is, I’ll make Matt proud.

Fancy taking on your own challenge to raise money for Asthma + Lung UK? Check out our range of events. We’ve got something for everyone. And if nothing takes your fancy, you can do your own and we’ll support your every step of the way.

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