Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Here's my story, apologies, it may take a while!

Turning 40 this year, I wanted to do something to challenge myself.  But this powerlifting competition is more than just a challenge! It represents how far I've come in my battle against colitis and Behcets Disease!

I started noticing small symptoms in 2010, but thought nothing much of it and 2 pregnancies and periods of breastfeeding held off/masked symptoms for a few years.

Then in 2015, my body broke down somewhat. My joints became inflamed and swollen with fluid, particularly my knees and ankles. This was incredibly painful and eventually I relied on crutches to get around. I was having my knees drained every 6 weeks in an effort to keep it under control. 

On top of this, I developed mouth ulcers - probably 30 at a time which meant eating was so painful that I just ended up relying on coffee and eating just once a day, losing over 2 stone in 2 months.

There were other symptoms too. My sons were only 3 & 1. Life felt hard! I'm sure I was depressed!

After 18 months of numerous visits to doctors, hospitals and various consultants, one consultant suggested he thought I might have Behcets Disease, an incredibly rare autoimmune disease affecting only a thousand or so people in the UK.  This was literally life changing for me and through the support of the specialist hospital in London, and the Behcets Society charity, I am now leading a very normal life!

Powerlifting came into my life in 2018! Finally my symptoms were under control and I was ready to start getting fitter, and most importantly for me, stronger! Under the guidance of an incredibly knowledgeable (and patient!) coach, I have literally gone from strength to strength, regularly squatting and deadlifting over 100kg! My confidence has massively grown and it's nearly two years since my last flare up!

On March 1st, I will don my powerlifting singlet and give a metaphorical two fingers up to Behcets Disease, with the aim of qualifying for the national championship as well as raising money for a cause close to my heart!

Thank you for reading, more importantly,  thank you for donating! Xxx