Welcome to my Just Giving fundraising page! I am running the 2025 Edinburgh Marathon for Tourette Scotland in order to raise as much money as possible.

What is Tourette`s and who does it affect?

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a complex, neurological condition. It is often sensationalised and portrayed in the media as swearing and vocalisations which leads to people mocking and laughing at those with the condition. It is estimated that this accounts for only 10% of cases.

It is estimated that 1 in 100 people are born with TS and many of these people will never be diagnosed. Tics are the main component of TS. These are involuntary movements and verbal sounds, words and phrases which are not a reflection of that person's thoughts, feelings, or an insight into their inner world.

Why Tourette`s Scotland?

TS are a small charity which have a small team and would benefit from any support to carry out the amazing work they do. The money they raise is directly put back into the charity to raise awareness and offer support to those living with the condition. My girlfriend, Nicole, is someone who has lived with the condition for many years and knows first hand the struggles it can bring. Whether that is the physical or emotional stress that it brings. It is often fatiguing and painful. Nicole attended her GP for 4 years trying to get a diagnosis and support whilst living in the constant anxiety of having these new, involuntary tics which affected her daily life. After being referred to a neurologist she was finally diagnosed with TS and could begin treatment through medicine and therapy. Even though there is no current cure for Tourette`s, getting diagnosed allows you to better cope and manage the tics and all donations go a long way in helping to support people with the condition.

Issues with Tourette`s and how its diagnosed?

TS rarely comes alone and most people who have a TS diagnosis also have other complex conditions to cope with as well, such as ADHD, OCD, Anxiety, and ASD. Tourette's is usually diagnosed in childhood and for a formal diagnosis to be given, both motor and vocal tics must be present for at least one year with no break over three months. They are often painful and cause fatigue. Imagine you have a repetitive strain injury; you can rest and adapt what you're doing to allow the sore area to heal. As tics are involuntary, even when they are causing pain, the person with TS can't stop them.​

What are the triggers for tics?

Tics can be triggered by anything at all. Stress, anxiety, excitement and sensory overload are common triggers. There are also others such as feeling nervous, not knowing what's happening next, what the expectations are, as well as confrontation.

What is suppression?

People with TS can sometimes suppress tics for a short period of time but this cannot be maintained as it takes a huge amount of concentration. Suppressing is also exhausting, can be painful, and it interferes with the person's ability to cope with everyday experiences. As a result of suppressing, people with TS may be easily agitated, feel short-tempered, have a lack of focus or it can bring on tic attacks.

How can you help?

1. By spreading awareness

​2. Remember, tics are not directed at you!

3. Try not to stare - tics are embarrassing and when people stare it makes them worse and can cause a huge amount of anxiety.

4. Everyone with TS is different and everyone has their own way of dealing with tics - it's ok to ask how they would like you to react. Some people prefer you to ignore their tics, others prefer to deal with them by using humour.

5. If someone looks like they are having a difficult time with their tics, it's ok to check in with them and offer reassurance.

6. Please be understanding and patient.

They are a fantastic Charity and I would be so grateful if you could take the time to sponsor me to help the cause.

https://www.tourettescotland.org/