I want to raise awareness and much needed funds for FND Hope UK, a charity supporting people with Functional Neurological Disorder. This is an illness I have along with many others, it is a disabling illness with a wide variety of effects.

So I've decided to walk up Croagh Patrick Mountain  which rises to a height of 762m above sea level.  It takes the average person around 2 hours to climb, and about 1 1/2 hours to descend, so for me that will take me a little longer.

Please read my story to understand my reason for taking on this challenge - 

My story: In September 2013, it started with me getting severe migraines and my vision was blurred. I attended my GP surgery for an appointment to try and receive help with treating the pain as it was really bad, this continued for a few weeks and ended with me being referred to hospital as I started experiencing stroke like symptoms. Unfortunately my condition deteriorated and I lost all the power on my left side, during my stay in hospital the doctors ran some tests to eliminate Multiple Sclerosis, stroke and a brain tumour.  All my results returned as normal which was confusing as I had all these symptoms to match the conditions, this lead to me being diagnosed with FND. I was discharged on Friday 25th October and left the hospital in a wheelchair as I was unable to walk, as a few weeks past I began having daily seizures which completely disabled me. I needed assistance with daily tasks such as washing, feeding and taking myself to the toilet as I was unable to do this independently. My speech was effected and my eyes were in constant spasm. Now I still have speech problems, tremors and nerve pain also my sight is still effected and I struggle with fatigue. I have learnt to walk again after being in a wheelchair for a year and a half, I initially used a zimmer frame to aid me with this. Now I walk with a stick when I am out.

This is why I want to raise awareness as FND Hope UK have been an amazing support network and key tool for me. There are many others in my position who need help and guidance.

Thank you for reading and hope you can join me in helping to support this charity and their cause.