This June, I will be swimming 10km across Lake Windemere to raise money for ME Research UK, in support of my mum, who has been living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic fatigue Syndrome (CFS), a condition that turned hers and our family's lives upside down.

My Mum has lived with this condition for most of her life but in recent years it has left her almost bed bound, unable to move without a wheelchair and meant she had to leave a job she loved. Despite all of this, she is a ray of sunshine and the most positive and optimistic person I know.

ME affects so many lives, yet the understanding and treatment options are still very limited. ME Research UK exists to fund high-quality biomedical research into ME/CFS. By supporting this fundraising effort, you will be helping fund vital research into ME/CFS to find its cause, develop effective treatments and ultimately discover a cure.

I am aiming to raise £1,000 for ME Research UK! Any donation, no matter how small, will make a difference and bring us one step closer to improving the lives of those suffering from ME. Thank you so much for your support!