After completing the Leeds Half Marathon in 2021 in aid of Narcolepsy UK, I am back running double the distance this weekend in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon for the same cause.

Everyone knows what it’s like to feel tired right?

Now imagine staying awake for 48 hours and then having to do a full day at work - This is what an average day in the life of a Narcoleptic feels like.

The tiredness where you can barely keep your eyes open, carry your own body weight or form coherent sentences.

In 2020, I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy - a rare neurological condition affecting less than 1% of the UK population for which there is currently no cure.

My Narcolepsy is characterised by excessive day time sleepiness (sometimes 16+ hours a day), sleep paralysis, hypnopompic hallucinations and sleep attacks. The disruption to my daily routine has made it nearly impossible to lead a ‘normal life’.

Narcolepsy is also commonly associated with depression, suicidal ideation and suicide and has been referred to as ‘the most underrated mental health killer’. For me, the psychological impact has been far worse than any physical symptom could ever be. It was only 6 weeks ago, I was an inpatient in a psychiatric hospital and running a marathon was simply an unrealistic goal.

However, against the odds, this Sunday, I will be on the start line alongside my two lovely friends running 26.2 miles for a charity very close to my heart.

Any donations, however big or small would be greatly appreciated.

Thankyou 💛💜.