Hi everyone, my brother Kieran and I will be taking part in a British Special Forces designed assault course at Drumlanrig Castle (along with other friends running for different charities) outside Dumfries on 15 July 2012. The 12 mile course is (rather worryingly) billed the ‘toughest event on the planet’ and includes 25 military obstacles. Physical endurance, stamina, teamwork and camaraderie will be put to the test.

Kieran and I are fundraising for Fibromyalgia UK to raise awareness for a condition our Mum Fiona was diagnosed with in 2009.  Fibromyalgia syndrome is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown. People with Fibromyalgia suffer chronic widespread pain, which can be described as burning, throbbing, shooting, or stabbing. Whilst the physical pain is constant, the fatigue has significantly impacted her everyday life and she had no choice but to leave Thomsons last year. Anyone who knows my family will know my Mum worked as a travel agent for more than 30 years , was (and even though it kills her, still is) an energetic Mother to three children who also helped care for her own parents. You will not find a more generous and caring person and we will be training hard in the coming months to ensure we are ready...failure is not an option!

My Mum's  concentration, coordination and energy levels are not what they were, making everyday activities very difficult and taxing. The condition is not well publicised and was only identified in 1990. Physicians continue to research and develop treatments and medications for sufferers and Kieran and I would like to do our bit to raise awareness for the charity. Any funds we raise will go towards Fibromyalgia UK and hopefully a share will be diverted to my Mum’s support group in St Andrews, Fife. The group has been a great source of inspiration in recent times. As many people will know I spent a fair bit of time in hospital when I was a teenager and my Mum was always there for me so we both want to make her proud. Please dig deep and support a great cause.

Liam and Kieran.