In my late 30s/early 40s, I endured two years of chronic lower back pain. During this time, I was overmedicated with highly addictive opioids and offered spinal fusion surgery. Despite countless visits to doctors, physiotherapists, and osteopaths, not one of them told me my MRI showed "normal abnormalities." They never explained that my pain was neuroplastic—rooted in past trauma and high-stress life events. Depressed and anxious, my brain’s way of protecting me was through pain.

But adversity teaches us, and this experience led me to become a wellness practitioner. I now blend clinical massage therapy, Buteyko breathwork, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, mindfulness, and movement to educate and empower my clients to recover from chronic pain. Charities like Pain Concern play an important role, helping to educate and support people suffering with chronic pain.

By the way, I didn’t have spinal surgery, and at 51, I have no chronic pain, take no prescribed medications, and am healthy and vibrant—though running a half-marathon will indeed challenge my body and mind!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.