The UK Association of HPV Vaccine Injured Daughters (AHVID) gives support to children suffering from HPV vaccine injuries in addition to supporting their families. They do this primarily through their Facebook UK Association of Vaccine Injured Daughters

They also work tirelessly to raise awareness of the dangers of the HPV vaccine - which I completely admire. I know myself that this is such an important role and really difficult at the same time.

Being a part of the AHVID online family myself I feel it is time to give back.

7 years ago I was vaccinated with the HPV vaccine - as this vaccine has been removed from my medical records I am still trying to establish for sure which of the two. Nevertheless, it was apparent very quickly something wasn't right. After shot 1 and 2 I wasn't myself I kept falling asleep in school, I stopped attending my sports because I didn't have the energy, I was sneaking food in school classes - feeling like I constantly needed to be eating food to stay awake. I was struggling with headaches, I would feel shaky and numb. I lost a significant amount of weight and a doctors appointment was made. After listening to my heart the doctor referred me for a cardiology appointment, with a wait of around 8 or 9 weeks.

THIS DOCTOR DID NOT ASK OR QUESTION HAD I HAD THE HPV VACCINE. THIS ONE QUESTION COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY STOPPED ME DETERIORATING AFTER SHOT 3 OF THE VACCINE. The importance of awareness with medical professionals as well as parents and children is apparent in my experience!!

I had the third shot of the vaccine, then my life began to fall part. Slowly the energy drained away from me, within weeks I had started to collapse, holding out for the cardiology referral wasn't even possible. It quickly got worse, I was collapsing up to 8 times a day.

A year on I still didn't have a diagnosis, I'd almost died in the hands of hospital staff due to being administered a drug which I am intolerant to. I had been prepped for a surgery which my mum was told could have potentially killed me. I was living in what I described as hell on earth. I repeat at no point in this long year, collapsing upto 8 times a day, not leaving the house, not well enough to shower alone and spiralling into depression was I ever asked 'Have you had the HPV vaccine'. At this point it was in my medical records but nobody thought to investigate the cause of the illness?

My mum was a single parent using everything she had within her to fight the battle and get me a diagnosis. She felt she was alone, that she couldn't access the right information and advice, sadly at this point she didn't know about AHVID.

After 18 months I was finally diagnosed with 'Suspected Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome'. I started on medication and I had some element of control. Not over my symptoms completely but over my situation.

7 years on I am considered 'stable' my medication controls the vaccine injury so well that I have started to exercise as a form of therapy..... this is where the fun begins.....

I am running the Liverpool Santa Dash Sunday 3rd December with my beautiful, strong and inspirational Mum Lesley. She has been my rock, my therapist, my everything.... and she's going to be with me every step of the way.

We are raising funds for AHVID to continue their much needed and fantastic work. Please please dig deep if you can, if I can prevent one girl or boy, suffering at the hands of the HPV vaccine I will feel like this chapter of my life was worth suffering knowing I have helped someone else.

Freda Birell features in this documentary 'Sacrificial Virgins'. Freda is the head of the AHVID association. I feel it is important to show you what type of research and awareness this association is working towards.

Lots of Love to you all, thank you so much for reading my story. Any questions or comments don't hesitate!

Christy & Lesley xxx