In early 2014 I was diagnosed with a Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and Hemiplegic Migraines. My symptoms worsened initially, to a point where a few months down the line I was limited to how I could physically function, communicate or think and suffered daily painful cramping across the whole of my body.

I didn't know what it was or what had caused it and there was very little information available online .. which is what led me to start supporting others in similar positions whilst I attempted to recover and learn to manage with my symptoms, and in October 2016 co-founded the charity FND Action.

My children, who were 9 and 13 and the time, needed their mum and they were my driving force to try anything and everything to help recover as at the time medical care was extremely limited. People of any age can develop symptoms, and to know first-hand how young people may be suffering, and how frightening this must be for them, is heart breaking to think of as a mother myself.

By taking part in this run I want to raise much needed funds to help FND Action support young people who have been diagnosed and their families, and to develop a long-term support plan to assist them with living with a potentially chronic condition. I'm also doing this as a personal challenge .. 4 years ago I didn't know how my health would turn out or if I would regain the use of my legs, but today I'm on both of them so challenging myself to put them to good use!

I'll suffer the following day, but it will be worth it!

Thank you in advance!

----------

FND is a common and disabling cause of neurological symptoms, and people can experience a wide variety of symptoms including limb weakness, tremors, non epileptic seizures, sensory problems, cognitive problems and visual and speech symptoms. To read more about FND please visit www.fndaction.org.uk.