Thanks for visiting my page! This year, I’m taking on the Colchester Zoo 10K Stampede to raise vital funds and awareness for Stickler Syndrome UK.

For a long time, I felt like I was simply "falling apart." I grew up with severe short-sightedness, needed hearing aids in my teens, and was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in my 30s. It wasn't until my 40s that the puzzle pieces finally clicked: I had Stickler Syndrome.

Stickler Syndrome is a rare genetic and degenerative disorder affecting the connective tissue. It can cause retinal detachment, hearing loss, and early-onset arthritis. It affects roughly 1 in 8,000 people, but because it’s rare, many families go years without answers.

Getting my diagnosis changed everything. It helped me understand not just my own health, but the future of my children, two of whom also have the condition and possibly my grandchildren.

I am incredibly lucky to be under the care of the specialist team at Addenbrookes Hospital. Their research and dedication are world-class. This challenge will be to support Stickler Syndrome UK, a charity founded by the late Wendy Hughes to ensure no family has to navigate this diagnosis alone.

Because of my Stickler Syndrome, I’m now registered Deafblind. I’d usually have my Guide Dog, Pammie at my side, but I think this event might be a bit much for her! So, I’ve asked my wonderful Communicator-Guide, Anna, to step in and help me out on the day. So please wish us both luck in completing this challenge together.

Every penny raised helps fund research and support for families like mine. Thank you for your support—it means the world to me (and my knees!).

Pam xx

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.