My name is Shauna and I have decided I want to take on the Lily 21 Challenge this January in order to raise awareness and funds for the Lily Foundation. They do amazing work and research in order to improve the lives of people affected by mitochondrial disease. I want to help them work towards their mission for a future where mitochondrial disease can be effectively treated or cured to improve the lives of individuals and their families. 

So why do I want to do this? 

Well, this is close to my heart as one of my dearest childhood friends Sian Darch has mitochondrial disease. Sian and her mum face battles and challenges everyday, particularly this year (2020) where Sian was in and out of hospitals with seizures. However, despite this and everything their endure they both battle on with big smiles, warmth, love and is an inspiration to us all. 

What’s the challenge? 

So I have signed up to the Lily 21 challenge. The challenge is to set a challenge involving the number 21. Seeing Sian smash through her challenges daily, I wanted to push myself. My fitness level isn’t great after the lockdown 2020, so I challenge myself to run/jog 2.1 miles daily. Plus an additional challenge each day such as 21 burpees, 21 sit ups, 21 push up etc. I will be doing this each day in January. 

Please support me and raise money for the amazing Lily Foundation. Every Lilly’s helps and I would truly appreciate any donation.

I will be documenting my challenge on Facebook and Instagram! 

Thank you all so much. 

Shauna x x x x

A little information about Mitochondrial Disease and the Lily Foundation. 

The Lily Foundation was founded in Lily's memory, having lost her battle to Mitochondrial Disease at just eight months old. The charity aims to give hope, answers and support to the many other children and families that face the challenges of this disease today.Did you know every twenty minutes a child is born who will develop Mitochondrial Disease by the age of 16! There is no cure for this disease which is for many, debilitating and life limiting.Please stand with us and fight Mitochondrial Disease and fight for hope.

What is Mitochondrial Disease? 

Mitochondrial disease, or 'mito', is the term given to a group of medical disorders caused by mutations in mitochondria, the tiny organelles that are present in nearly every cell in our bodies and which generate about 90% of the energy we need to live. Cells cannot function properly without healthy mitochondria, so when they fail the consequences can be serious and wide-ranging.

Mitochondrial diseases affect people in multiple ways, depending on which cells are affected. This can make the condition hard to diagnose, as symptoms often resemble those of other serious illnesses. For example, a person with mitochondrial disease may suffer from seizures, fatigue, vision and hearing loss, cognitive disabilities, respiratory problems or poor growth. Any of the body's organs and systems can be affected including the brain, heart, lungs, gut, liver and skin. For more information about this see our list of the different types of mitochondrial syndromes.

Is there a cure?

There is currently no cure for mitochondrial disease. However, important steps have been made to make diagnosis faster, easier and less invasive to the patient, and some promising research into effective treatments is underway. The more we learn about mitochondrial disease the closer we will be to one day finding a cure.

(Taken from the Lily Foundation website - please see link - https://www.thelilyfoundation.org.uk/)