Hi Everyone!

I am currently in the process of sharing my migraine story with the migraine trust and local support groups and suffers. Migraines are the third most common disease in the world, with an estimated global prevalence of one in seven people. Despite being recognised as one of the most disabling lifetime conditions, awareness and understanding is low. I myself have sadly suffered from this disability for 5 years now and have been under a specialist neurologist for 4 years. I have trailed many treatments which sadly my body has rejected and am now on my last options which are Beta Blocker medication and Botoxin - exciting, but NERVE WRACKING!

Not many understand the disability and see the severe effects it has on your day to day life. Whether it be work or personal life, and more awareness needs to be raised to all. This is NOT just a headache, this is disabling and has a massive impact in our ability to perform day-to-day activities. We require flexibility and support on the triggers of a migraine to prevent them as much as possible.

Chronic migraine is defined as having headache on at least 15 days per month, with eight of these having migraine symptoms, for at least three months. People who have fewer headache days with migraine symptoms have episodic migraine. Symptoms of chronic migraine can include frequent headache, increased sensitivity to light, sound or smells, nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms include aura (such as visual disturbances, problems with speech, numbness or pins and needles), dizziness and vertigo (a sensation of spinning).

Specialists still don’t know exactly what causes chronic migraine. For a lot of people chronic migraine develops gradually with migraine attacks becoming more frequent over time, changing from episodic migraine to chronic migraine. The pattern of chronic migraine will vary depending on individual circumstances. For some people it may return to episodic migraine, some people find it stays the same and others find that it gets worse.

The Fundraising promise:

We will commit to high standards.

We will be clear, honest and open.

We will be respectful.

We will be fair and reasonable.

We will be accountable and responsible.

Migraine Awareness week is 5th September - 12th September 23. I ask, that all my friends / family could be so kind to share and support my fundraiser which I will now be working hard on over the next few months.