My Story

My journey as a runner

My story with running started in 2014 when I was living in the US for the first time and struggled to maintain a healthy routine. So I started running.

And after a month, I thought I was ready to run the Golden Gate Bridge. But I was wrong. After 10 miles, my entire body hurt, I had a fever and couldn't leave my bed for 2 days. That experience showed how humbling running is.

I ran my first marathon in 2017, and London Marathon will be my 6th one. But this time is different.

Why UK Thalassaemia Society?

I'm fundraising for UK Thalassemia, which makes the most special and exciting marathon training journey I've ever experienced.

I've been a blood donor for 10 years now. This is something I do in Brazil with my mom and my sister every 6 months. But only recently I learned what thalassemia is. People with thalassemia produce either no or too little hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in red blood cells. This means that patients must have regular blood transfusions to keep oxygen reaching their organs and keep them alive. 

How you can help?

Any donations, big or small, will help the society continue to provide dedicated support for those living with thalassemia. Find out more about how your donations help people living with thalassemia here: www.UKTS.org

You can also help by donating blood, getting yourself and your family members checked to see if you or they carry the thalassemia gene and spread this message far and wide.