Welcome to my JustGiving fundraising page! 

So, a little about why I'm doing this:

Last year I was diagnosed with a Prolactinoma, which is a benign tumour on the pituitary gland. It affects your hormones and can be very discreet, which is how my diagnosis came to be a bit of a shock! Luckily I didn't need surgery, but was informed I could potentially be on life time medication. Having no idea what it was or what it meant, I reached out to the Pituitary Foundation who offered loads of useful information and stories about other people living with this tumour, just like me.

I have a huge passion for fitness. So when I started treatment and warned of the side effects I was worried that it would stop me being able to exercise to my full potential. Although I started off a little uneasy at first, suffering from dizziness, headaches and loss of appetite, I'm relieved that I seem to be managing effectively on the medication now. I wanted to set myself the challenge to start running again and enter into a half marathon. I've only ever ran 10k races before, so I wanted to move that goal post but also raise awareness for this condition and show that nothing should hold you back in life!

Finally, only a few months after my diagnosis, my pet dog, Mac, started acting out of character. After various vet visits, he was diagnosed with Cushing's disease (a different type of tumour of the Pituitary gland, too). I couldn't quite believe it when they told me. I know they say dogs are like their owners but this was something else! He is also on life time medication and is almost his normal cheerful self! Although it's not the same field, I want to run for him too. Dogs are our best friends after all! 

I have set my target at £300, so if you want to sponsor me it will mean so much and help encourage me! London is one of my favourite cities and I've never ran this far before, so any support is greatly received! I will keep you updated with any training on this page. Wish me luck and thank you in advance!

Gemma x

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