A MOTHER and daughter whose heart conditions are treated at Harefield Hospital are walking the London Marathon after being told it was too dangerous for them to run.
Just last month, doctors at the world-renowned heart and lung hospital, in Hill End Road, Harefield, advised Lucy Fenner, 26, that running with her disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, was not safe. So rather than give up, she decided to walk the 26-mile route on April 21.
Her mother, who also suffers with the condition, offered to keep her company and the pair now have just weeks to prepare.
Miss Fenner discovered she had the disease in 2008, just months after her brother was diagnosed with the same condition.
Their hearts are weak and enlarged, meaning they cannot pump blood around as efficiently as a healthy heart.
Miss Fenner’s brother had a heart transplant in 2010 and lived at the hospital for three months.
In light of her family’s experiences, Miss Fenner is encouraging more people to sign up as organ donors knowing one saved her brother’s life.
They aim to complete the course in seven hours and are donating all sponsorship to the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital Trust.
To sponsor Lucy, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/fenben.
To become an organ donor, go to organdonation.nhs.uk.
