It's time again for the annual Jenkins fundraising challenge and this year at the beginning of June my son, Nick and I will be cycling 370 miles along the Elbe from the Czech border to Hitzacker in northern Germany. Our route takes us through Wittenberg where 500 years ago, this year, Martin Luther started the Reformation. 

This year we are raising money for the National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome (NAPS).  Around 1 in 20 women in the UK are estimated to experience premenstrual symptoms including premenstrual dysphoric disorder which stop them living a normal life.  NAPS exists to support those affected,  promote greater awareness of the condition and provide training for health professionals. 

Some women like my niece Sarah can suffer severe mental health problems as a result of the condition.  She's kindly and bravely written something about her experience to share on our fundraising page.

"I have a condition called Pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder that I have had since I was 14 years old. I get bipolar like symptoms – ranging from anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts to being hyper, manic and psychosis. Living with the condition has been very tough. I have some periods where I am very well (say 5-6 months) and then other times where I get very ill and have to be hospitalised. Sometimes I wake up thinking “why do I have this condition, I wish I never had it” and other times I think “I have this condition, whether I like it or not…but it has shaped who I am today and has made me the strong,
determined woman I am”. NAPS – National Association for pre-menstrual syndrome is a great charity that does a lot of work to raise awareness of my condition. They provide information on treatment options as well as providing a platform for women with the condition to share their thoughts and feelings. More people need to know about this condition as it is still one of those conditions that very little people know about and there is still stigma surrounding it and women are still afraid to talk about it. People including psychiatrists need to be aware that women who display bipolar like symptoms could be suffering from PMDD. The best advice I could give to someone who thinks they may be suffering with the condition is to track your symptoms against your cycle, using an app such as Clue."

Please help us if you can to support NAPS' important work.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity.

Thanks in advance for your generosity.