In November the world sadly lost Steph.

Steph lived courageously with a condition called PMDD (Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder) which you probably haven’t heard of. In her own words Steph describes PMDD as a condition where “Women tend to struggle in silence, not understanding what’s wrong with them, and if they do talk about it are often met with bewilderment, disbelief, or suggestions of how to fix themselves. PMDD is like building a sandcastle of good habits and positive mood then twice a month watching it get swept away leaving depression, anger and hopelessness. Basically, my brain can’t cope with normal monthly fluctuations in hormones. Very slight changes in levels of oestrogen/progesterone are the difference between me feeling good and able to attack life and feeling so low and overwhelmed I no longer want to be alive. Despite it being cyclical it took me years to figure out it was all linked to ovulation and periods.”

Steph was not alone in her struggle. There are many women out there suffering at the hands of hormones and made to feel like they shouldn’t talk about it.

As someone who knows me, hopefully you know that I am a great believer that there is always something positive to come out of life’s darkest moments and this is where I need your help. With the blessing of my friend and Steph’s husband Andy, I am going to run the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2024 to raise awareness of the condition and raise money for NAPS - https://www.pms.org.uk/ . to help them continue their support for PMDD sufferers.

It's not glamorous. It’s not women’s problems, It’s all our problem.

As someone who knows me, you’ll also appreciate that I have a high propensity for being an idiot. Anything you can give will be greatly appreciated and I have set the target or raising £1,000. However, there is an incentive to go beyond that. If we collectively manage to raise £2,000, I promise to run the marathon in a Manchester United shirt – Andy’s favourite team. In honour of the fight he continues on Steph’s behalf, as a fitting way of representing the pain I will no doubt go through during the race but also, hopefully, to put a smile on both Andy’s and your faces.

Times are tough for many and your generosity is appreciated more than you realise. Wish me luck and thanks again!