Just as Covid restrictions were ending I started feeling really unwell. First I was misdiagnosed then after months of monitoring, tests and waiting I received a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and also primary hyperparathyroidism. Anyone familiar with these conditions will know how drained, achy and generally unwell you can feel on most days just to mention a few of the many symptoms.

While managing these conditions I will take part in cycling sportives at the end of April and May to raise funds for Parathyroid UK.

With the NHS and GP services so stretched Thyroid and Parathyroid UK provided information and fantastic support through an online community, the Paratroopers! Without their advice and resources I wouldn’t have been able to advocate for myself and understand the ins and outs of both conditions.

They also play a crucial role in supporting people with their mental health. People with thyroid conditions suffer mostly in silence with their wide ranging physical and mental symptoms, including extreme fatigue, aches and pains, depression and anxiety, and the way the condition changes their body. We are Patatroopers and try to get on with our daily lives, work and care giving duties without complaining.