Over a year ago, I would not have classed myself as a runner. One day in January 2020 I put on my trainers and went for a run. I could barely run for 90 seconds without wanting to stop. I am a busy mother of three, running a small business and being the never ending taxi taking my kids to all their activities. I never thought that almost 18 months after putting on my trainers for that first time I would add “runner” to my list of qualifications.

 Running has been my therapy through a year where the whole world went upside down. Gradually, each kilometer I’ve run has become easier. I am running distances that I never thought I could. I am researching nutrition for runners and how to progress even further. I have had a huge support system and amazing cheerleaders along the way to help me reach my goals and I am so grateful for every single one of them. And now, I want to turn my kilometers into pounds for a charity that is very close to my heart. I am training to run the Leeds UK Half Marathon in September 2021 and am fundraising for PANS/PANDAS UK.

Six years ago my youngest brother was diagnosed with PANDAS which stands for Paediactric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric associated with Streptococcal infections. It is a neuropsychiatric condition that is triggered by a misdirected immune response to a Strep infection. This syndrome is mostly diagnosed in pre teens and has a number of symptoms. However, my brother was an anomaly as he was 16 when diagnosed. He went from a fun loving young man with so much academic promise to a completely different child overnight. My parents and his close friends saw frightening changes in him.  Sleep deprivation, memory loss, aggression, panic attacks, OCD, anxiety issues, suicidal thoughts, drug use, tics, verbal outbursts, regression in coping skills and he was unable to continue normal friendships. Months of doctor visits, blood work and tests, the professionals arrived at the diagnosis of PANDAS. 

It was a very new thing only 6 years ago. There was very little known about it, especially in teenagers. My parents struggled to find help and information and they needed support groups as every day presented a new challenge for them. My brother is now 21, he is functioning and holding down a job and re-engaging with life again, but he is not the same. This has changed him and it hurts to see the devastating effect it has had on the whole family. Raising money for PANS/PANDAS UK means I can help other families who are going through the same issues. It means every penny raised goes towards a small charity who rely so heavily on donations to keep going. PANS PANDAS UK's mission is to ensure speedy diagnosis and effective treatment for sufferers by educating the medical community as well as offering support to sufferers and their families.For more information please see our website www.panspandas.org.uk

So, do this. Donate now and I will do my best to make the most of this half marathon. Race day is 5th September 2021. Your donations automatically go to the PANS/PANDAS Uk Charity so let’s get started! Feel free to follow me on my little running Inta blog on Instagram so you can see how my training is going. You can find me @mysneakersandme83.

Thank you!

• facebook: @panspandasuk and PANS PANDAS UK Support Group
• Intagram: @pans_pandas_uk
• Twitter: @PandasPans