Sponsor me, if you will, to run the Derby 10k on March 26th 2023 for Parathyroid UK. I won’t be the fastest, to say the least, but my commitment is to keep on running without stopping or walking!

Hypoparathyroidism (commonly known as ‘hypopara’) is a rare endocrine condition. There is no cure for permanent hypopara. It is caused when the parathyroid glands in your neck are inactive or produce too little parathyroid hormone (PTH) – which in turn leads to low blood calcium levels or hypocalcaemia.

Parathyroid glands are four small glands which lie behind the thyroid gland in your neck. These glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which closely regulates calcium levels. This is important because calcium is essential for functioning of nerves, muscles, bones, kidneys, eyes and heart. Calcium is in every cell and is vital to life.

Everyone’s experience of Hypopara is really individual, from life-threatening to pretty manageable and experience can change over time.

The support offered to members of the online community can be life-saving, with instant access to advice, support and even leads on where to find sometimes elusive medication. It’s staffed by amazing volunteers who also attend conferences and contribute to research, but also utilises the resources of medical experts, in research, advice and treatment - every penny can make a massive difference and I’m sure I’m one of many who has had moments of owing this group my life!

www.parathyroiduk.org