Inspire 2026 - Alysha
“I love that I’ve got this opportunity to not only raise awareness, but to give all I can to help and support BHF. It’s such a lonely time for anybody after any sort of diagnosis, let alone when it’s your child.”
Mum taking on first half marathon as her one-year-old daughter prepares for open heart surgery.
A Maidstone mum is taking on her first half marathon this October, while her one-year-old daughter prepares to undergo open heart surgery for a congenital heart condition.
Alysha Rose, 28, will run the Oysho Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday 11th October 2026 to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, inspired by her daughter Sorena, who was born with a large atrial septal defect (ASD), a condition where there is a hole in the wall between the heart’s chambers.
Alysha and her partner, Jools, first questioned whether something was wrong during their 20-week scan, when they noticed the sonographer spending a long time examining Sorena’s heart. After she was born, their concerns continued as Sorena experienced episodes where she would stop breathing, become grey and clammy, and appear glazed-eyed.
“We knew something wasn’t right, we felt it, but were almost made to feel like we were just being overprotective,” said Alysha. “At around three weeks old, she stopped breathing for a minute. It was very, very scary. Such a horrendous moment. You never expect something like that to happen to your child.”
After months of appointments and investigations, Sorena was diagnosed with an ASD and the family were told she would need open heart surgery after her first birthday.
“When we got that diagnosis, the room just went silent. I felt numb and I burst into tears. It felt like the end of my world. All I could think was, ‘Is my baby going to be okay?” said Alysha.
For Alysha and Jools, navigating the diagnosis and waiting for surgery has been a difficult and lonely experience, particularly as they knew nobody else with the condition.
“Even though you’re told it’s common, lots of babies and people have this, it was not common to us. We found it challenging as a couple to direct our thoughts onto anything else other than this. It was the fear of the unknown,” said Alysha.
Now one year old, Sorena remains a source of joy and strength for her family. Alysha describes her as “a bundle of joy and energy”, full of curiosity, love and life.
“Sorena saved us all in many ways, a ray of sunshine and light. Any bad day doesn’t seem so grey when we’ve got our Sorena. She’s a special little girl, not just in our eyes, but to all who get to love her.”
With Sorena’s surgery approaching, Alysha has channelled the uncertainty into something positive, running four to five times a week as she prepares for her first 13.1-mile race. The challenge is particularly personal for Alysha, whose own mum lives with a heart condition. She has long wanted to support the British Heart Foundation, and Sorena’s diagnosis has made the cause even more meaningful.
“Running has made a huge impact on my mental health. It’s brought me a purpose, especially doing it in aid of our beautiful daughter. I’ve always loved running and found it so helpful,” said Alysha. “I love that I’ve got this opportunity to not only raise awareness, but to give all I can to help and support BHF. It’s such a lonely time for anybody after any sort of diagnosis, let alone when it’s your child.”
As she trains towards race day, Alysha is trying to focus on what lies ahead: getting Sorena through surgery and giving her the healthy, happy future she deserves. Alysha hopes that sharing her family’s experience will help other parents facing a congenital heart condition diagnosis feel less alone.
Alysha’s message to other parents facing a congenital heart diagnosis is simple: “You are not alone, no matter how loud everything seems to feel. Be patient with yourself and your partner, support each other and let your family and friends support you. Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions come with such a difficult experience.”
Reflecting on her own journey with Sorena, Alysha says she experienced feelings of guilt and questioned whether she had done something wrong, but stresses that parents should never blame themselves and “Our little ones are stronger than we think.”
To support Alysha's fundraising for the British Heart Foundation, please visit her fundraising page
