I am part of the North West & Cheshire support group who will be walking a marathon in July to support the valuable work done by PMRGCAuk.

They are the only UK charity dedicated to PMR and GCA. They provide information, support and reassurance to people with either of these conditions and help to raise awareness in the medical world and in the general population so that people can get a speedier diagnosis if they have either of the conditions.

Both conditions can be life changing. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, GCA can cause sudden onset blindness or stroke. Getting a prompt diagnosis and treatment is vital.

I actually have both PMR & GCA, and they both hit me simultaneously 18 months ago - rocking my world, especially as I’d never even heard of them!

The treatments to keep these diseases under control are pretty fierce and cause many side effects which I’ve had to learn to live with.

I can’t praise the help this charity gives to us sufferers and so I did this fundraiser last year when I was newly diagnosed. This year I’m finding things tougher so I’m trying to do this as a team effort with the others in our North West & Cheshire group.

Wish us luck and please sponsor us if you can, or just share which will help us to raise much needed awareness!

Thank you so much

Pat & the North West & Cheshire walkers x