As some of you have noticed, I've not been around as much or doing as much as I used to.

I've been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a rare genetic disease that means my body doesn't produce collagen properly.  

Never heard of it?  Neither had I and most GPs wouldn't be able to tell you about it, even if they had heard of it!

Now, don't you go thinking this is all about ageing because women's beauty creams go on about collagen in their anti-aging ads........!  The collagen is important to the strength of skin, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, nerves and, oh yeah, some internal organs.  Most importantly, THERE IS NO CURE.  I can only be "managed" through physio and meds.

I know normal is a word few of you have ever used for me ;o) but, on the outside, the only thing that might give it away is the scar on my forearm.  Remember all those times I broke, dislocated, sprained or tore bits of me?  All my pain and my best friend Codeine?  That's why!  I can't do as much as I used to because I get tired and overdoing it can have big consequences for me phyically and mentally.  You see me in the gym, not just because I enjoy it, but because I have to!  I sometimes wear splints and strapping on joints to help me.  No, I'm not in a wheelchair, but it's a possibility in the future.  There's the oddities too - the little bald spot on my head, and imagine going to the dentist when local anaesthetics don't work.....argh!  It also plays havoc with my stomach.........let's not go there!

It's also led to another condition called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.  Because the collagen in my blood vessels is too stretchy, my blood vessels open up and my blood pools at my feet, making me dizzy and I've been known to lose up to 12 hours passing out.  Because of this, I don't tend to stray too far from home.

I'm not looking for sympathy or pity.  I'm making the most of the physical stuff I love to do for as long as I can.

So, this challenge.  This is a way to raise some money for the wonderful people at the Ehlers-Danlos Support Group who support people like me, raise awareness and help the disease get the recognition it deserves.  In true Ali style, it's also a way of me to stick two fingers up to the disease with the support of my physio Faye.

So come on, dig deep and help me to raise money for what I think is an amazing group!