This year on my birthday (29th April) my husband George is riding the Mallorca 312 for the TNA, the National Charity for Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Why TNA? My mother Sian, George's mother-in-law, has suffered from Trigeminal Neuralgia, a chronic pain illness, for over 10 years. TN is not a well-known condition, but it is often referred to as the 'Suicide Disease' as their no escape from the pain, it is only reduced by energy-zapping medication, it's known to worsen with age and so far there is no cure. 

TN affects every aspect of your life, cold air, loud music, chatting with friends, alcohol, and kissing on the cheek, are all triggers (to name a few). So along with pain, you also experience isolation, lack of confidence and with the medication, intense tiredness. All of which are known to lead to depression and chronic anxiety.

My mum is luckily incredibly strong and receives good medical treatment - but ultimately we want to find a cure and with your donations, we hope to provide TNA with a little help to do just that.

Now onto the amazing challenge George has committed himself to alongside his brother Will and a few of his amazing friends!!

The Mallorca 312 - the longest one day amateur cycling event on the sportive calendar and it's also one of the toughest. It includes over 5,000m of climbing throughout the 312km and happens early on in the season, which makes training that much harder. The Mallorca 312 time limit is 14 hours to receive your medal and an official finishing time. 

I'm unsure why he puts himself through these things - but here we are! AND I'm so proud he's chosen to do it for such an amazing cause so close to all our hearts.

Good luck Georgey and thank you everybody in advance for your donations - every £1 counts!

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The official description of Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is: 
“sudden, severe, brief, stabbing pain occurring in attacks lasting at the most a few seconds usually only on one side of the face and provoked by light touch”. It is “the worst pain known to man” and attacks are often described by patients as being like ‘an electric shock’, which may be severe enough to rivet them to the spot or bring them to their knees. The pain can also be described as stabbing, shooting, burning, excruciating, and unlike any other pain previously experienced.

More about TNA:
TNA provide information, support and encouragement to those who suffer this excruciatingly painful condition. Our aim is to raise awareness of TN within the medical community and the general public at large. We educate, support and are involved in research. TNA UK relies on donations, annual membership fees and sponsorship/grants in order to continue its work. We are involved in educating professionals and working with research to find relief and cure from this horrendous condition.