I am raising money for a charity that hits home for me by
running London April 2017 marathon. (Not one for doing things by half – or listening to advice - I am doing Brighton Marathon in April too)  

The Dystonia Society (charity no 1062595) aims to raise
funds to:

• Improving access
  to treatment services. 
  
  Providing improved support and information for
  the individuals affected. 
  
  Progressing research activities. 
  
  Raising awareness of the condition.

What is Dystonia and why am I raising money and hopefully awareness for this condition?

I have Bilateral Dystonic Tremor and was diagnosed at 17. I was devastated but at least I knew what it was and could adapt to it. I eventually succumbed to medical advice at 24 and underwent a medical procedure called Deep Brain Stimulation where I had a 7hour + plus brain surgery – awake from start to finish!

Dystonia is the term used to describe uncontrollable and sometimes painful muscle spasms caused by incorrect signals from the brain. It is estimated to affect at least 70,000 people in the UK. There are a large number of different types of dystonia which affect people in widely differing ways. These are listed below.

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder. Faulty signals from the brain cause muscles to spasm and pull on the body incorrectly. This forces the body into twisting, repetitive movements or abnormal postures. Sometimes the symptoms are accompanied by dystonic tremor.

Unfortunately there is not yet a cure. YET!!!

More info can be found here: http://www.dystonia.org.uk/

I can’t stress how grateful I’d be if you decide to support me running this marathon.

I set personal two personal bests last year – Paris in 4hours 19 minutes and Brighton in 4hours 12minutes!

I am ambitiously hoping to best this by hitting sub 3 hours but have been told to heed caution and aim for 3hours 30minutes!

In typical fashion of not listening to advice I still want sub 3 hours! I took 50 minutes off my record last time so why not again!?

Whatever time I achieve  is not the main aim - please help me in raising money for such a great charity and we never know fund a cure!

Thanks, Bradders!