The chances are you, a member of your family or a friend suffers from migraines.

I have suffered with migraines most of my life, particularly as a child. Other members of my family and friends are also sufferers.

Contrary to popular belief, migarines are not  'just bad headaches'. The excruciating, prolonged pain can be debilitating. As a child, they were hard for me to deal with. I would get an intense sharp pain above my left eye and feel, and often be, sick. I would frequently get them at school, have to leave my classroom straight away, take my medicine instantly and lay in a dark room before the pain got too much. This used to happen as often as once a week.

I tried all manner of cures, from cutting out certain foods to acupuncture. Eventually, after a number of years, a herbal remedy got it under control and now, as an adult, I can carry on with my day once I have quickly taken strong painkillers. Not everyone is that lucky.

The number of people who suffer with migraines in the UK is the equivalent of the entire population of Wales and Scotland.  There are more people who suffer with migraines than people with diabetes, asthma and epilepsy combined. Yet, despite being the most prevalent neurological condition in the UK, awareness of migraines continues to be low with many sufferers feeling alone and isolated.

The Migraine Trust works to raise awareness of migraine as a serious public health issue and I hope that by raising money through this race I can help them help people like me.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. 

Even if you don’t donate, thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page and giving me the chance to try to explain what it means to be a migraine sufferer.