In August 2016 I had the privilege of meeting and supporting a young boy called Rory who has Tourette's Syndrome. Rory has taught me so much in my role as Principal Teacher of Pupil Support and I have developed essential skills that I will use for the rest of my teaching career. As educators we need to be committed to getting it right for young people in our schools with this condition. Fortunately, I have been heavily supported by the fantastic John Davidson and Paul Stevenson who are both adults living with the condition. These guys are my heroes!!!!! All three of them are in different chapters of their life sharing one thing in common. Tourettes Syndrome is a neurological condition where people experience tics - involuntary and uncontrollable sounds and movements. Rory, John and Paul inspire me in so many ways and I've made it my mission to work alongside them to raise awareness of a condition that so many people misunderstand.

Along with three of my incredible friends Amy, Becky and Hayley we wish to raise as much money as we can for Tourettes Action (Scottish Borders Group). This group provides support, advice, opportunities and friendship for people with the condition.

Running this half marathon isn't going to be an easy task but worth every bit of it just knowing that Rory, John, Paul and others will benefit from it.

I dedicate every step of my training, every blister and every tear I know I will shed to you guys :-) #trainingfortourettes

Let's do this girls xxxx

Gemma :-)

*You can learn more about Rory, John, Paul and Tourette's by watching BBC documentary Tourettes: Teenage Tics available on iPlayer.