Jen’s off for a run.

Quite a long one in fact.  The Flora London Marathon to be exact.  All quite terrifying really but seemed like a good idea to sign up at the time, and especially as I’m running for a charity very close to my heart.

OCD-UK is the leading charity for sufferers of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a serious anxiety-related condition that affects as many as three in 100 people, and is considered the 10th most disabling illness of any kind, in terms of diminished quality of life.

OCD can take many forms but in general involves repetitive, intrusive and unwelcome thoughts and doubts that are hard to ignore.  The obsessional thoughts can often cause the person to perform repetitive compulsions in an attempt to relieve themselves of these obsessions. 

Some of you will, but most of you won‘t know that I too am a sufferer of OCD and have been struggling with the illness on and off for the last 10 years.  Though you are never fully rid of OCD, I am finally in a place where I have it pretty much under control, and though there will always be difficult episodes I think and I hope the hardest part is behind me now. 

OCD is not, as most people think, all about turning light switches on and off all day - it can manifest itself in so many different ways, and while I love a hand washing gag as much as the next person, what is a shame about the general misunderstanding of it in the media, is that it can cause people to go undiagnosed for years.  If you are interested, I’d urge you to have a look at www.ocd-uk.org for a bit more information about it all. 

OCD UK’s Mission Statement:
‘It is our belief that everyone affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder should receive the most appropriate and the highest quality of standards of care, support and treatment.’

When things were very bad for me, apart from an amazing network of family and friends, OCD-UK was one of the biggest helps.  It provides understanding, help, and most importantly support for thousands of sufferers and family members of people with the illness. 

The London Marathon is looming upon us and as scary as the prospect of running 26.2 miles is, so is that of raising £2000.  At this point in training where things are beginning to get that bit harder and that bit more tedious, this incentive is becoming more and more important.

I understand that at this time of year a lot of you will be getting asked for money left, right and centre for various different amazing charities like this one.  I can only ask that you can all give as generously as you can to mine.

Thank you in advance for all your help and support.

Much Love

Jen xxx

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: OCD-UK gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.