A group of us are running the Manchester Half Marathon in October to raise awareness and money for ADSHG (Adrenal Disease Self Help Group). This charity greatly helped Katherine who developed Cushing’s syndrome and subsequently adrenal insufficiency.

This is her experience.

Just after running the Manchester Half Marathon in 2022 I started developing a range of symptoms which led to a diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome due to an adrenal tumour.

After surgery to remove the tumour, I became adrenal insufficient as my body was no longer producing the vital hormone cortisol. I then had to take medication to keep me alive and learn how to manage this condition.

ADSHG provides vital resources and a community which helped with my recovery and provides vital information and confidence to those with adrenal disease, teaching how to manage the disease and lead a normal life. This includes information about how to recognise when to up-dose medication when your body goes through stress (this could be physical e.g. illness, emotional or even if doing strenuous exercise!), how to inject emergency hydrocortisone to prevent a potentially fatal adrenal crisis and precautions needed for going on holiday.

Fortunately my remaining adrenal gland has now woken up and I am medication free. I am really grateful for the information and advice over the last 12-18 months so please donate to help ADSHG continue their work.