Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am still rubbish at running but I am determined that I will get to the end on 7th August (hopefully running, but possibly crawling). I will be celebrating the start of my 40th year with bubbles at the end, but, to help me push that bit harder, I have decided to run for a charity that has personal meaning.

Four years ago, I went to the doctor's because I felt that something wasn't right. For the previous year, we had been trying for a number three to join William and Charlotte but I had miscarried twice. I just knew that all was not as it should be, having had two babies previously with no problems. Usually, miscarriages are not investigated until you have had three but the doctor agreed to tests, which revealed that I had a severely underactive thyroid. This had most likely caused the miscarriages and I was told to stop trying to get pregnant until my thryroid issue had been resolved. A week later I found out I was pregnant! But, thanks to the initial tests by my GP and the speedy response of the Endocrinologists at the hospital, we very happily welcomed a happy and healthy Patrick into our world eight months later. If it hadn't been for my GP's insight and understanding, I know that our little Patch would not be here with us today.

Thyroid disorders affect 1 in 20 people in the UK and many people do not realise the effect this is having on their lives. Please see btf-thyroid.org for further information and support.

So, I will be running on 7th August to raise awareness of thyroid disorders, especially in pregnancy, in memory of the two babies we were never able to meet and for the three-year-old whirlwind of fun who did make it.

Thank you.

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