This April, I will be taking on the huge challenge of running the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise awareness and funds for the ME Association. 

I have a diagnosis of ME. I am forever grateful for the treatment and therapy that I received through the NHS. My diagnosis has helped me to understand how my body works and how it reacts to stress to my adrenal glands, vagal nerve damage, post exertional malaise, a weakened immune system and the affects of having to face and manage a chronic illness day in day out, that also has great repercussions on my mental health.

Over time, with the therapy received, I have learnt how to recognise symptoms of a crash before it hits, so that I can pace, rest and use holistic treatments to ease the blow, enabling me to get back up onto my feet again as soon as possible and continue with living life to the best level that I can, without ME actually being my life. Its something I have...it must never become who I am! 

Running for me can be a treatment in itself, improving my cardiovascular fitness alongside my mental health. On the flip side, it can also, and regularly does aggrevate the ME, however, in the long run (pardon the pun), I know that the exercise, socialising with other runners, feeling part of something and the sense of achievement is vital for my overall health. 

My family have been incredibly supportive and understanding of my condition. When I crash, I often wake up and see that my beautiful, caring son, Santiago has covered me with a blanket, put lavender drops on a tissue or my teddy bear and left a drink beside me for when I come to. My wonderful partner, Ade, is my rock and keeps all the plates spinning when I'm out of it, he regularly reminds me to rest and pace and never complains when having to hold the reins when I'm ill. "Just be kind to yourself" are words I regularly hear. Ade will also be running beside me in London and raising money for the ME Association. Its going to be an amazing, challenging, emotional (and hopefully) successful 13.1 miles xxx