Among Team Poppy’s runners were Poppy’s dad, James, as well as friends and supporters inspired by his dedication to his daughter. But this story is about more than 26.2 miles. James and his wife Kat have been at the heart of the Lily community for years, not only through fundraising, but through advocacy, awareness and connection.
13 years ago, the couple’s youngest daughter Poppy was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease. Now 15, Poppy can’t walk or sit unsupported, and she suffers from daily seizures and extreme muscle tension in her arms and legs which makes her unable to do any basic daily activities independently. She’s tube-fed, and is no longer able to speak, relying on eye pointing and facial expression to communicate.
Poppy faces a huge battle every single day, but she does so with a big smile on her face and a great sense of humour. It’s that spirit that drives her parents, and everyone around her, to keep fighting by her side.
Challenges that go far beyond the marathon
Shortly after Poppy’s diagnosis, James and Kat kicked off their fundraising journey for The Lily Foundation with a team bike ride from London to Newcastle and the Great North Run.
Over the years, Kat’s taken on various cycling and running challenges, herself completing the London Marathon back in 2017 and 2023, and inspiring James to step up and take on the world’s most iconic race this year.
James and three friends trekked unsupported across 100km of frozen wilderness inside the Arctic Circle, battling extreme conditions at the northern edge of Finland.
James and teams from Samsung have also taken on various ‘do what you can’t’ challenges, raising over £50,000. These have included 4000m+ peak ascents such as Mont Blanc, the Monte Rosa massif in the Alps (including a helicopter rescue for James) and Mount Toubkal in Morocco as well as the 3- and 5-Peaks Challenges in the UK and Ireland.
In addition, many friends and colleagues have joined Team Poppy to participate in all manner of events and activities, including running, walking, cycling, climbing, burpeeing, jumping out of a plane, baking and more.
A family at the heart of the community
Together, over the years, James and Kat have used their voices, as well as their legs, to raise awareness of mitochondrial disease, including talking to LBC during Jamie Theakston’s ‘Make Some Noise’ challenge – an incredible seven marathons in seven days back in 2018.
Kat and eldest daughter Lily spoke to the BBC following the announcement that eight babies had been born healthy using mitochondrial donation IVF – a breakthrough that could one day impact Lily’s own family planning options. James and Kat were part of the original campaign to change the law in 2015, representing the patient voice in Parliament and helping to pave the way for this landmark moment.
A community effort
Fundraising for Team Poppy has never been a solo effort. Kat and James are a constant presence at Lily events, from our London comedy nights to the annual Ball, bringing friends and family along with them.
Even during lockdown, the family’s creativity didn’t stop, with James hosting a YouTube bake-along with Poppy, bringing supporters together in a completely different way.
Their wider friendship group has played a huge role too. From cycling, running and gym challenges to intense endurance events like the 4x4x48 challenge inspired by David Goggins, their network continues to show up, time and time again.
More than a number
£300,000 is an incredible milestone – but behind that number is something far more powerful. It represents years of effort, a fierce determination to raise funds and awareness of mitochondrial disease, and a refusal to give up, even in the face of unimaginable challenges.
It represents a community rallying together.
And, above all, it represents love – for their daughter Poppy, and for every family affected by mitochondrial disease.
After the marathon, the couple said:
“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from such a wonderful group of friends and family. From everyone who has initiated or participated in challenges, to those who have generously sponsored them and us, and to those who have loudly cheered us all on – thank you! £300k is a huge milestone but we won’t stop there… we, along with The Lily Foundation, are committed to keep going until there is a cure for mitochondrial disease.”
As Team Poppy complete the London Marathon and reach this incredible target, we celebrate not only their achievement on race day, but everything they’ve given, and continue to give, to our community.
From everyone at The Lily Foundation – thank you.