My fiancé and partner of 7 years has gotten progressively worse as a result of Fibromyalgia. Just over 3 years ago our daughter was born 3 weeks premature with a major heart condition and had to have major heart surgery at 7 just months old. In her first 4 months she caught covid, Bronchiolitis and 4 infections that could have been fatal. Consequently our trips to the hospital were endless and made Sharons condition significantly worse with the trips, stress and worry.

I had to make the hard decision of giving up a promising career as a chef as sharon couldnt cope day to day on her own. I have to watch her helplessly suffering on a daily basis. I cook, I clean, i do the school run. I do the heavy lifting and make sure the place is right for Sharon if i have to nip out.

I help Sharon daily with things like taking her medication and the right amounts at the right time as she gets confused (fibro fog). I help her in and out the shower as she looses balance and falls regularly. She cant walk long distances without holding on to me. She now uses crutches quite often. This has a huge impact on her freedom, dignity and mood in general. When a flare up happens especially in the cold weather, my responsibilities are even more full on because the cold triggers the pain more severely. I often help do her hair and get dressed because she cant lift her arms high enough. She believes this to be a burden but i believe when you are with a person it is through sickness and health. Looking after my family is my responsibility. Last week the car was in for MOT i had to do a course one day so Sharon had to walk to school and get kids which i normally do and as a result she could barely walk doubled over in pain for the rest of that week i felt terrible.

Giving up my job has had a serious impact on us financially and myself mentally. I care for Sharon up-paid when previously i was paid. That little help we got has made us struggle significantly but people remain ignorant to how full on this disease can be. This is why im doing this event to raise awareness and educate people on just how bad fibro can have an effect on peoples lives.

FMA is a great charity with helpline for people to ring with a range of thing they can help with including benefit maximisation, they aim to achieve major change in the way fibromyalgia sufferers are diagnosed, treated and supported. Our national helpline is 0300-999-3333; free information packs for the newly diagnosed; free Health Packs for UK health professionals and over 100 support groups and helplines around the UK.