On Sunday, 2nd March 2025, Nikki will be running for the ME Association in the Brighton Half Marathon.

Nikki has been incredible and has taken on this charity place as I was can no longer run due to injury!

This cause has a very personal link to me (as to many in my close circle) as a very dear friend of mine, Ginny has been severely affected by this disease and this is just a very small way to show my support for Ginny and all those struggling with ME.

The smallest exertion can floor them; their joints and muscles ache unbearably; restful sleep eludes them; and ‘brain fog’ clouds their thinking. It changes lives drastically – disrupting study; making work impossible; and straining family relations to breaking point. Many sufferers cannot leave their homes.

Sadly, there is still no known cure.

Here are some words from Ginny :

I am incredibly proud and grateful to share that my amazing friend Jess is running the Brighton Half Marathon on my behalf to raise funds for the ME Association, a charity funding biomedical research and supporting those affected by ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), also known as CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).

This disease has severely impacted my health and quality of life, and it devastates the lives of millions of others worldwide. ME/CFS is a complex, multi-system illness and can leave individuals struggling with crippling fatigue, pain, cognitive impairment and a range of other debilitating symptoms that worsen after physical, mental, social or emotional exertion (post exertional malaise). There is currently no treatment or cure.

By running this race, Jess is not only raising vital funds but also helping to raise awareness of a disease that often goes unseen but affects so many. I am so very thankful for her dedication, and I hope her efforts will bring us one step closer to better understanding and support for everyone living with ME/CFS.

The charity is also offering brilliant support to people still suffering from the devastating effects of Long Covid, which in many respects looks so much like ME/CFS.