In October 2019, I gave birth to my son, Charlie. What should have been a joyful experience turned into an unexpected and difficult journey. I struggled with every aspect of parenting. I kept it all to myself, feeling like I couldn’t show anyone how badly I was struggling. I had a wonderful support network, a much-wanted baby boy, and even a smooth c-section recovery—so what did I really have to complain about? And then, just when things couldn’t seem worse, Covid hit when Charlie was just 5 months old and the world became even smaller.

It was during this time that I discovered PANDAS Foundation. With in-person meetings suspended due to Covid, the Foundation's volunteers, Dee and Liz, offered Zoom support groups. It was a lifeline to know I wasn’t alone in how I felt. As Charlie approached his first birthday, I began counselling, and slowly, the fog started to lift. Now, Charlie is an amazing 5-year-old and a wonderful big brother to his sister Ellie.

Since September 2023, I’ve been volunteering with PANDAS Foundation to give back to the community that helped me through those tough times. In an attempt to raise funds for them, I came up with the mad idea of running 13 miles - my trainers had been gathering dust since 2018!

Every time I put on my running shoes, it's a challenge, but every donation helps keep me motivated. If you’re able to donate, I’d be so grateful. If not, there are still ways to support this important cause:

- Share PANDAS Foundation with your friends—especially those expecting or with young children. You never know who might be struggling in silence.

- Send me your suggestions for my running playlist (the cheesier, the better!)

All money raised goes towards supporting parents and carers who need support. Here is an idea of what your donations could go towards:

- £5 funds a helpline call for one service user to receive support via the PANDAS helpline service

- £15 pays for the PANDAS email service per person per year to receive support via email

- £23 to host the PANDAS website providing signposting for our services, resources and information

- £25 to host the PANDAS weekly zoom calls for all parents, carers and networks offering advice, peer support and sharing experiences

- £50 for a year’s training for one of the volunteers to ensure they have the best placed knowledge to support our service users

- £62 to recruit and onboard a volunteer into the PANDAS teams to provide support, advice and guidance

- £208 for a month’s worth of marketing and advertising for PANDAS to reach every parent who needs it

Thank you so much for your support, whether through a donation or simply sharing this message xx