I'm running my first ever marathon (Rome), and my second (Brighton)- within the space of 3 weeks (crazy I know) - to fundraise for my mum and this charity. I would appreciate you reading the below and then if possible sharing this page or even donating!

As many of you know my mum is 'disabled 'and one of her diagnosed conditions is fibromyalgia, there isn't much awareness around it and as an invisible disease can be difficult for others to understand or be aware of, even to those medical professionals she has desperately tried to seek help from.

I've attempted to set out why i'm doing this, my mum's story and something about fibromyalgia action UK(it's a long read so my apologies)

Why am I doing this - Those closest to me will know just how much my mum suffers and despite this has sacrificed everything for the last 26 years to ensure she was there for me without hesitation whatever we/I faced. She's an inspiration to me and even if I was running 21 marathons in 21 days the pain wouldn't be comparable to what she puts up with daily. We get one life and unfortunately the quality of life mum gets is not equal to the heart she possesses. I'm raising this money to help others who suffer like mum does, but also to show her truly just how much she means to me and this is but a grain of sand in the scale of my appreciation for what she has, and continues to do for me. I'm a pain in the ass at 26, and to most around me..so now imagine single handedly having to try raise me as a kid (and my older brother Dalton) whilst going through so much physically and mentally. Despite her being possibly the weirdest wackiest woman in the world, she's also beyond wonderful and i'm proud to call her my mother.

My mum's story - After suffering from Glandular Fever for several months over 30 years ago I was diagnosed with Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia as a result. There are many symptoms for fibro and therefore not one single treatment is available that helps all. Here are some common traits and ones that I experience personally. Pain which is intensified due to the high sensitivity from the illness and tenderness of my body. Fatigue, even after long periods of sleep I always feel tired. This is enhanced with any physical or mental exertion and lead to complete exhaustion and bed rest. Something as simple as a food shop can cause this. It is extreme tiredness and normal activities become a task. With continuous muscle pain and restless leg syndrome I call fatigue the stone in my shoe which just never goes away. This leads to fibro(brain)fog where i am unable to think straight, focus or concentrate on anything physical or mental. With long periods of clinical depression a huge strain is created on relationships resulting in complete isolation from society itself. Over the years it's taken a toll on my body, suffering from Raynaud Disease, IBS, anxiety and severe panic attacks to name a few. Due to the lack of knowledge and research available when first diagnosed I was prescribed a cocktail of medication to relief each condition. Unfortunately due to the length of time such relief does not take affect, yet the process of coming of them is something drs are reluctant to do due to it enhancing my symptoms and the stress relation. After 30 years of this experience much research is needed to understand and prevent the lack of life this Fibro creates. It is an invisible illness but very real to millions who suffer this every day.

The charity - Fibromyalgia Action UK is a registered charity run primarily by unpaid volunteers. The majority of volunteers are also fibromyalgia sufferers who work extremely hard, despite their condition, in order to forward the cause of fibromyalgia. FMA UK was established in order to provide information and support to sufferers and their families. In addition, the charity provides medical information for professionals and operates a national helpline.

We aim to encourage NHS and other funding sources for new research projects. At present there is very little research being carried out in the UK and sufferers are told there is no cure. We hope that will be a statement of the past.

If you've got this far you've probably hit your reading target for the week, but thanks so much and again if you could share this page, or even donate it would mean the world!!