If someone had told me at the start of this year that I would be ending it with half a thyroid, I honestly wouldn’t have believed them.

But back in February, this became my reality.

After months of multiple choking episodes — some of them while I was home alone with my little ones — countless trips to A&E, a hospital stay and losing over a stone and a half in weight, my life had changed completely.

I was unable to eat normally and had to live on a blended diet. I became so physically weak that I was virtually bedbound for eight weeks. I couldn’t be the Mummy I wanted to be to my little ones, and I couldn’t be my usual active, outdoorsy self.

All of this was because of a multinodular goitre measuring 7cm by 6cm, which was pressing on my throat and leaving me unable to eat properly. Eventually, the only option was major surgery to remove it.

Those months were, without a doubt, the hardest and scariest time of my life.

Nearly four months on from my operation, after a huge amount of physical and mental recovery, I’m finally getting stronger. Most importantly, I’m able to be the Mummy I want to be again and start enjoying the things I love.

As part of my recovery, I’ve been training to walk 25.5 miles in a single day as part of the Walk the Test Way on Sunday 27th September.

For me, this walk is about so much more than the miles. It’s about taking back my strength, celebrating how far I’ve come and bringing some positive closure to what has been an incredibly difficult chapter of my life.

I also want to use this challenge to raise awareness of women’s thyroid health and the impact that thyroid problems can have on everyday life.

There have been moments this year when I never imagined I’d be strong enough to do something like this. So, on 27th September, every step will be a reminder of just how far I’ve come.

25.5 miles. One day. One very personal challenge.

If you’re able to support me with a donation, no matter how big or small, I would be incredibly grateful. Your support will mean more to me than you know. ❤️

Thank you for reading my story and for being part of my journey.