Abbi's Story:

'When I was 14, I was diagnosed with Tourettes Syndrome. To put it simply, my body makes movements and sounds that are completely out of my control. These are involuntary and are known as tics. To people on the outside, these can be strange, sometimes funny, and unfortunately often offensive. Luckily for me, I have a large support system. My friends and family have been amazing and understanding, but that doesn't make living with Tourettes any easier. Although I have learnt to deal with it, I used to find going out by myself extremely hard. I get disgusted looks from people in the street, random strangers laugh and make rude comments to my face with zero consideration, and I get asked multiple times a day to 'watch my language'. This can be insanely embarrassing and trigger my anxiety, especially when I explain it to people and they still continue to be insulting. I put this down to the fact that for so long, Tourettes has only been seen as a joke and not a real condition. It's often misunderstood as a condition which makes people swear, or say socially inappropriate things. Although it is true that ‘coprolalia’ – the clinical term for involuntary swearing – is a symptom, it only affects a minority of people. Only roughly 10% of people with Tourettes have coprolalia; it just so happens I fall into that ten percent! Realistically, Tourettes isn't just about swearing and strange movements. Yes, it can be funny. But on the flip side, it can be painful and violent. I can accidentally hurt myself by hitting myself into things or touching things that are dangerous. I can be a risk to myself and others without meaning to be. I suffer from anxiety as a result of people staring, and worrying about what people think of me. It's scary leaving the house knowing you don't have any control over what you might say or do. There are positive moments where I may be among friends and we are able to see the lighter side, but there is also a darker side to it and that is what most people fail to realise. Tourettes Action has given me advice and information on learning how to live with my condition, not be embarrassed by it, and be able to walk around mostly with my head held high. Very few people have understanding on how to help me or anything about what I go through, and if people were to be more informed it would make thousands of people's lives like mine so much easier. If you do see someone pull weird faces, do strange body contortions, or make potentially annoying or loud sounds, please be more considerate and think fully about their situation before making comments. It can really make a difference.'

I'm running the London Landmarks Half Marathon in March 2020 to raise much needed funds and awareness about Tourettes and Tourettes action. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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