On Sunday 26th April, I am running the London Marathon in aid of Verity, the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) charity.

When I was younger, I had numerous blood tests performed, all resulting in no concrete conclusion, causing stress and anxiety due to the unknown. Following an ultrasound, I was finally diagnosed with PCOS very late in my teenage years. I am fortunate in that I have mild symptoms but through fundraising for Verity I hope to raise awareness and understanding - supporting people in their diagnosis and treatment.

Having ran the Manchester half marathon last October, I am very much looking forward to, though also very nervous for, my first marathon in aid of such an important cause. Thank you in advance for your support.

PCOS affects 1 in 8 women in the UK, and is an endocrine (hormone) disorder caused by an underlying hormone imbalance.

Severity of symptoms vary from person to person and those with PCOS have potential of an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as a higher risk of endometrial cancer.

The exact cause of PCOS remains unknown and there is no cure for PCOS, nor is there a single treatment. Treatment is therefore aimed at managing individual symptoms.

Verity is a charity that aims to raise awareness around the condition, whilst providing a supportive community for those with PCOS. PCOS UK, the medical education arm of Verity, has also been formed to improve the awareness and knowledge of PCOS among healthcare professionals in the UK.