Laura’s 100 Mile Heart of England Challenge

In 2019, Laura’s sister and brother-in-law learnt that their unborn son was diagnosed with half a functioning heart and would require ongoing medical care and intervention.

Darragh, Laura’s nephew had a difficult start in life, born with a series of life-threatening heart conditions and nearly six years on, he’s faced three major open-heart surgeries, many hospital trips and a catalogue of highs and lows.

“[This] meant that his early life was spent under the amazing care of the superheroes at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.”

“I have seen the magic that can happen to lives when the very best doctors, nurses, surgeons, and therapists play their most amazing parts in transforming lives.”

Laura has dedicated a huge amount of fundraising to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, following the support they have provided to Darragh and her family.

“I couldn't be happier to continue my fundraising efforts, in Darragh's name, to help support BCH, to enable them to continue to provide care to all of the children and families who need their help.”

In 2026, during British Heart Week, Laura will be taking on a 100-mile ultra marathon run along the length of the Heart of England Way.

“Training for this massive challenge is a series of training blocks built around races of various distances. Off the back of my first marathon in September 2025, I am excited to be in Leeds for my next race at the Abbey Dash.”

Laura will be running for her nephew and the people that have supported her family, and she knows that will carry her through, as she embarks on each step of her challenge.

“The never floundering positivity I see in my nephew shines so bright. It will push me through every step of this challenge.”

“The gratitude myself and my family have to the superheroes of Birmingham Children’s Hospital and to charities such as Little Hearts Matter cannot be measured. The debt can never be repaid to those who work tirelessly to give children and families with congenital heart conditions hope and futures. But we will continue to try.”

In October this year, less than six months after open heart surgery, Darragh competed in London and became the U5 Great British Irish Dancing Champion.