I was diagnosed with Addison's Disease in 2005 - it's a rare condition and it's very confusing, especially at first. I was lucky that the endocrinologist recommended joining the Addison's Disease Self-Help Group (ADSHG) - a brilliant source of medical advice and constructively shared experience which has been very helpful.

So I'm very proud to be doing the 'Steps for Addison's Awareness' challenge throughout February to raise awareness and funds for the group. My pledge is to average 12,000 steps per day.

Addison’s is a rare endocrine condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the steroid hormones which are literally vital to our bodies, so it can be life-threatening. It affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people and is roughly 300 times rarer than diabetes and many medical staff have no knowledge of it at all.

The ADSHG is a fantastically positive and active charity, with amazing medical knowhow from the Clinical Panel as its brain and a small but wonderfully dedicated staff at its heart. The charity supports everyone affected by Addison's and adrenal insufficiency. Every donation will go directly towards the Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group’s mission of supporting and informing the Addison's and adrenal insufficiency community and their healthcare providers as well as supporting vital research.

Every penny raised helps us support people affected by Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency.