On 25 February I will be walking from Hemel Hempstead to Berkhamsted and back (7.2 miles) to raise money for PNH Support, a charity that supports people with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Haemoglobinuria and help them feel less alone living with this ultra-rare bone marrow failure disorder. It will be a challenge for me, as I have just recovered after recently spending time in hospital, needing a blood transfusion due to PNH.

I was diagnosed with PNH 9 years ago. The condition causes our immune system to destroy our own red blood cells resulting in a variety of symptoms like anaemia, overwhelming fatigue, blood clots, brain fog and abdominal pain. PNH Support has given me a community of people who understand what it means to live with PNH. The charity advocates for people with PNH, connects patients and educates patients on available treatments, how to live better with the condition and other much needed information.

By donating, these funds could pay for PNH Support to hold a patient and family conference, host more face-to-face meetings which are much needed especially after most of our community were shielding throughout the pandemic. Your donation could also ensure they have the capacity to answer patients' questions as well as ensure we all have the most up-to-date information we might need. It could also help them gather data needed to evidence that new treatments being developed to address the symptoms of PNH are worthwhile and improve patients' and their families' lives.