Addison's Disease Self-Help Group

ADSHG 2024 London Landmarks Half Marathon Runners

Our 'Super7' LLHM 2024 runners are making a huge difference. Their fundraising contributes to our mission of supporting the Addison's and adrenal insufficiency community and their healthcare providers as well as helping to fund vital research.
£6,786
raised of £4,000 target
by 267 supporters
Event: London Landmarks Half Marathon 2024, on 7 April 2024
RCN 1179825

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Story

This year, we are proud to have 7 dedicated fundraisers participating in the London Landmarks Half Marathon on 7 April 2024.

We are incredibly grateful to our runners for taking on this challenge to raise awareness and funds. Their fundraising contributes to our mission of supporting the Addison's community and their healthcare providers as well as helping to fund vital research.

Every penny raised helps us support people affected by Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency.

Addison's disease affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people, meaning an estimated 300 - 350 new cases are diagnosed each year across the UK. This makes it roughly 300 times rarer than diabetes, another endocrine condition that sometimes occurs alongside Addison's. Diagnosis is most common between the ages of 30 - 50, but can occur at any age.

Life-long treatment with replacement steroid hormones is required. Medication is usually taken several times daily at carefully timed intervals and individuals must also know how to administer an emergency hydrocortisone injection to prevent a potentially fatal adrenal crisis.

Our 2024 ‘Super 7’ runners are: Claire, Mark, Linzi, Steph, Frank, Kevin and Jonny.

We wish you all the best in your upcoming training. We know that our incredibly supportive community will be cheering you on! #TeamAddisons

Meet our #TeamAddisons runners:

Claire

I’m Claire. I’m a vet and live with my husband, Mark in the North East of Scotland. I was diagnosed with Addison’s 2 years ago. We also live with our Jack Russell terrier, Monkey, who also has Addison’s. She was diagnosed 6 years ago and hasn’t let it slow her down.

I would like to raise money for the ADSHG because they have been such a valuable help since being diagnosed. From support during the early days to advice for travel, sickness and exercise. Their work is so important to all those living with adrenal disease. The training has been going well until I sprained my ankle and have had to take a bit of a break from running.

Mark

I’m Mark and I’m supporting my wife, Claire, who was diagnosed with Addison’s nearly 2 years ago. We both like climbing hills and riding bikes but we’re not runners. So training has its ups and downs.

Claire found the ADSHG really useful after her diagnosis. So I’m keen to raise some awareness and support for what the charity does. I’m currently able to run 3 miles a couple of times a week. It’s hard because the days are short in Northern Scotland so all our training runs are in the dark just now. I’m hoping to maintain this level for now and then start to do more as the days lengthen.

Linzi

I was diagnosed with Addison’s disease on 1st April 2021, after being unwell for quite some time. I’ve found it really hard to adapt to having this lifelong disease, however, I want to prove that having the diagnosis doesn’t mean your life is over. I am not a natural runner, in fact, I get out of breath by just running up my stairs at home so this half marathon is going to be a huge challenge, with the added complication of Addison’s on top of that.

When I say I am a couch potato, I really mean it. I haven’t done any exercise for years. I started training 10 weeks ago and had to pause training due to being hospitalised. In my last run, I managed to run 23 minutes - I have a long way to go but with determination, I will get there!

Steph

When I was diagnosed with Addison’s disease 12 years ago, I was very grateful to have the ADSHG to turn to. I previously knew nothing about adrenal insufficiency! I spent the first 6 years of MY diagnosis still unwell and struggling but once I found the right treatment regime tailored specifically to me, I can now live life fully!

I started running regularly at the beginning of 2023. Running two half marathons in 7 days (Reading is one week after LLMH!) next year for the ADSHG will be a huge challenge! With their advice on updosing for exercise and support hopefully, I will be successful. Wish me luck!

Frank

I am raising money for the charity as my mum was diagnosed with Addison’s in June 2022. I am 22 years old and enjoy running and going to the gym. The ADSHG has been a great help and source of information to my mum since her diagnosis. She attended the AGM this year and has gained a lot of knowledge from the website and forum. My mum is so strong and I am so proud of her. She is the most selfless person I know and will always put others first. This diagnosis has changed all our lives. Mum copes really well but can never forget that she has this condition and has to listen to her body and make adjustments when needed. I can't wait to do this for my mum as I want to make her proud but also raise money for this amazing charity that has given us so much guidance and help through her Addison’s journey.

I have been running infrequently for the last 3 years. I have been very inconsistent with my fitness but I am determined to race a strong time in April. My main goal is to run a sub 2-hour half marathon, which would take a huge chunk of time off of my personal best.

Kevin

Hey! I'm gearing up to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon on 7th April and it's not just about the miles for me. I'm lacing up my running shoes to support the Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group in honour of my incredible wife, Becca. In 2021, she faced a pituitary tumour, showing immense strength throughout. Now, she's tackling life with adrenal insufficiency. Becca, an amazing mum to our daughter, has worked non-stop throughout it all. Adrenal insufficiency isn't a walk in the park and the ADSHG has been our guiding light since her diagnosis.

So, here's the deal: I'm hitting the pavement to raise funds for this awesome charity that's been a lifeline for us. Their support means the world, helping improve lives and spread awareness about Addison's. Let's make each step count!

Jonny

Initially, I wanted to support this charity as my Mother-in-Law has adrenal insufficiency as a result of brain tumour surgery in 2011. However, since signing up my 18 year old niece has been diagnosed with Addison's after spending 10 weeks critically ill in hospital. Both are dependent on replacement hydrocortisone and are at risk of potentially fatal adrenal crisis. I am so thankful that the ADSHG is there to help them both.

The ADSHG works to increase knowledge and support for the serious condition of adrenal insufficiency. Their support has and continues to save lives. I have taken on this challenge to support in raising awareness, as well as raising funds, for the ADSHG's very necessary work.

For more information, please visit: www.addisonsdisease.org.uk

About the charity

Founded in 1984, we're the UK and Ireland charity for all affected by Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency. We work to support and promote better medical understanding of this rare, life-threatening condition. All donations go to our 'unrestricted' funds, to help us in this vital work.

Donation summary

Total raised
£6,785.27
+ £1,477.00 Gift Aid
Online donations
£6,785.27
Offline donations
£0.00
Direct donations
£234.63
Donations via fundraisers
£6,550.64

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