Hello everyone,

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Here is my story...

After a year of hospital appointments and various tests, eventually I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis in August 1999 during my Masters Degree in Bulgaria. With the prospect of postponing my graduation, spending the following 3 months in the hospital for treatments, surgery, and taking medications for the rest of my life, I entered a dark moment in my life.  

'Myasthenia gravis is a rare long-term condition that causes severe muscle weakness. It’s not easy to diagnose and is often first observed in young adults.'

My symptoms intensified over that year. I had difficulty speaking, swallowing, chewing, or even smiling. As a young woman, it consumed my life and my thoughts every day. After the operation, the surgeon jokingly advised me that my future husband needs to be a strong man to carry me around, in short, I will be a ‘lady of leisure’. And did I choose right 😊  

Fast forward 24 years, I still live with this disease every single day, including the symptoms and the side effects. But I’ve learned how to control it and moreover how to never let it stop me from living my life. Looking back, I completed my university, came to UK, had a wonderful child, climbed Kilimanjaro, ran the Manchester marathon, cycled 100 miles… just to name a few things!

And now, I want to do more…

This year, I've set myself some big challenges, one of which is running the London Marathon on Sunday 23rd April for Myaware. A charity that is very close to my heart and the only one in the UK specially dedicated to Myasthenia Gravis. Running has never been my favorite sport and long-distance runs have always created a big fight between my body and my brain. Why?

I am so lucky to have the support of my family, my run-crazy husband Steve, and the wonderful Weald Warriors running group! I could not do it without all of them! I appreciate all of the help they have given me over the years and look forward to being able to tick another fantastic challenge off of my bucket list in April. 

I know very well the difficult times we all live in at the moment, which makes this even more poignant. Every penny is much appreciated and will be going towards this amazing charity, which I hope I can raise awareness for and do proud!

Thank you so much for the tiniest bit of support you can give in these tough times 

Geri x

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