Atrial Fibrillation Association

Joshua's page

Joshua Watkins

Joshua Watkins

My Story

In April 2026, I will be running the London Marathon for the Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA). This is a charity that is close to my heart, and even closer to my daughter, Pippa's. 

Pippa's start to life wasn't an easy one. She was born at 34 weeks and faced more challenges in her first few months of her life, than I have in 36 years. We watched our daughter experience seizures, moments where she would lose consciousness and turn blue from lack of oxygen, causing her heart to stop. 

She spent months in and out of hospitals, firstly Chelsea and Westminister, then under the care of the incredible team at Royal Brompton Hospital. After countless tests, scans, long days, and sleepless nights, Pip was fitted with a heart moniter, which she still has today at 6 years old, which is a constant reminder of how far she has come and how lucky we are as parents.

I am very grateful to have got a place in the London Marathon, representing AFA because in life you tend to forget and overlook battles and hurdles you have faced. Running for this charity is a reminder of the tough times my daughter had experienced, and how much she has progressed as a young lady which we are forever grateful for. 

Through it all, Amy (Pippa's mum) and I were surronded by compassion, expertise and hope from the amazing hospital teams, and the support of charities like the Atrial Fibrilliation Association and STARS.

This is why I'm running: to give something back, to say thank you on behalf of Amy and I, and to raise awareness for a charity that deserves so much more than the recognition it gets. 

For me, this marathon is a journey of gratitude, love and hope. It's for my Pip, and the incredible people who dedicate their lives helping others. 

Every donation, no matter how small means so much. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for taking the time to read our story and for supporting such an amazing charity. 

I will be sharting the honest, unfiltered journey of training for a marathon. The highs, the lows and everything in between. If you would like to follow, please check out the link (coming soon). Thank you all!

Josh

Atrial Fibrillation Association

Raising for:

Atrial Fibrillation Association
110%

Funded

  • Target
    £3,000
  • Raised so far
    £3,290
  • Number of donors
    80

My Story

In April 2026, I will be running the London Marathon for the Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA). This is a charity that is close to my heart, and even closer to my daughter, Pippa's. 

Pippa's start to life wasn't an easy one. She was born at 34 weeks and faced more challenges in her first few months of her life, than I have in 36 years. We watched our daughter experience seizures, moments where she would lose consciousness and turn blue from lack of oxygen, causing her heart to stop. 

She spent months in and out of hospitals, firstly Chelsea and Westminister, then under the care of the incredible team at Royal Brompton Hospital. After countless tests, scans, long days, and sleepless nights, Pip was fitted with a heart moniter, which she still has today at 6 years old, which is a constant reminder of how far she has come and how lucky we are as parents.

I am very grateful to have got a place in the London Marathon, representing AFA because in life you tend to forget and overlook battles and hurdles you have faced. Running for this charity is a reminder of the tough times my daughter had experienced, and how much she has progressed as a young lady which we are forever grateful for. 

Through it all, Amy (Pippa's mum) and I were surronded by compassion, expertise and hope from the amazing hospital teams, and the support of charities like the Atrial Fibrilliation Association and STARS.

This is why I'm running: to give something back, to say thank you on behalf of Amy and I, and to raise awareness for a charity that deserves so much more than the recognition it gets. 

For me, this marathon is a journey of gratitude, love and hope. It's for my Pip, and the incredible people who dedicate their lives helping others. 

Every donation, no matter how small means so much. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for taking the time to read our story and for supporting such an amazing charity. 

I will be sharting the honest, unfiltered journey of training for a marathon. The highs, the lows and everything in between. If you would like to follow, please check out the link (coming soon). Thank you all!

Josh