Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page! 

Here’s a bit about me :)

I’m Lizzy Thomas, I’m 29 & I reside in Pencoed, Bridgend. I am going to be competing in the U.K. Galaxy Pageant in March 2019 as “Ms Bridgend Galaxy” & I have two aims: 

Firstly, I hope to raise awareness & money for the Christie Cancer charity - the fantastic charity chosen by the U.K. Galaxy Pageants.

Secondly, to raise awareness about a condition from which I suffer; a debilitating condition called Fibromyalgia.

I will be hosting charity events in the beginning of the New Year to raise funds for the Christie Cancer charity which goes over & above to support patients with cancer ❤️ It really is paving the way for cancer treatment & with statistics suggesting 1 in 3 of us are likely to suffer with the heinous disease at some stage in our lives, this charity really needs our support ❤️

I am hoping with my presence at these events, I can simultaneously highlight the struggles which we Fibromyalgia sufferers experience daily & raise the much needed funds for the Christie. I hope to convey to others with the same condition as me that they too can go out into the world & fight for their dreams! 

I competed in the Miss Wales competition in 2013, (winning the title of Miss Socialite & coming second overall in the public vote). However, I was struck down by a debilitating illness within 6 months of the competition which rendered me disabled & left me almost immobile. With what began as a terrible pain in my hips one evening, the pain soon spread to the rest of my body over the following months. I began developing rashes over my body, unexplainable swellings on my feet & legs, excruciating widespread body pain & awful fatigue. Having been a very fit & highly active person my world was literally turned upside down overnight.

Fast forward to today in 2018, I have had a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia for 4 years now (after a battery of tests & incorrect diagnosis of Lupus). My mobility is still very poor most days & I have learned to walk with a cane (which has been difficult to become accustomed to) & I manage my condition with strong medication & gentle exercises. I am now fighting back to gain some control of my life. I am now in my 3rd year of a Psychology degree with the Open University & when I saw an advertisement for the pageant I thought “Let’s go for it!!”. I may be the only one on stage with a cane, but I want to be able to say “I’ve done it for myself & I am worthy of more than this illness”. After all, I am NOT my illness & though it restricts my life, I will not let it stop me getting out there & raising money for another cause whilst highlighting invisible illnesses. 

Thank you for reading & please leave a donation if you can!

Love Lizzy xxx