In 2017 I was (finally) diagnosed with a very painful and incurable bladder condition, painful bladder syndrome. This is highly embarrassing, painful and isolating. On bad days I need to visit the loo in excess of 30 times (and up to 10 times overnight) and live in almost constant pain. Despite 4 surgeries so far, I have now been told that there is nothing else that the doctors can do and I just 'need to learn to live with it'. At 30, being told thst this could now be my life is very upsetting. Bladder Health UK has offered me a lifeline. They have an online support group as well as accessible specialists and a wide network of specialists in their field who may be able to offer alternatives. In the past few years I have really enjoyed running, as it gives me the much needed head space to be able to face the world. This year, despite a huge deterioration in my bladder function I have decided to set myself the challenge of running the Robin Hood half marathon again. No time aim, just to finish. I will need to train around surgeries (at present these are planned every 3-6 months) and there is the real possibility that I may need to complete it with an indwelling catheter. With the funds Bladder Health UK can continue to support the millions of people affected by bladder conditions in thr UK. Thanks for your support.

*Edit* this will be my last long run for a while as I prepare for major surgery to remove my bladder altogether.