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Category: Fundraising

Published on Thursday, 19 August 2021 15:18

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Aaron runs the Manchester Marathon for FMA UK

Update: Aaron successfully completed the Manchester Marathon in memory of his brother Josh

I made a promise to Josh and myself, that I wouldn’t take my physical health for granted and try to become the fittest version of myself possible. Since we lost Josh, I have not delivered on this promise. I’ve started smoking (vaping) again, my diet has been awful and I’ve struggled to find the motivation to exercise. I have been feeling stuck!

So, to give me the incentive I needed, I’ve decided to sign up for the Manchester Marathon in 14 weeks time. Running a marathon has always been on my bucket list which initially made me hesitant as to whether I should use it to raise money for charity. That being said, if I am able to do so and raise awareness of Fibromyalgia at the same time it seems foolish not to.

At present there is very little research being carried out in the UK and sufferers are told there is no cure. I hope that will be a statement of the past.

It’s not just the debilitating physical symptoms (some listed below) that people have to deal with but the loss of the life you once knew.

I hope I can raise some money to help Fibromyalgia Action UK to achieve its mission.

Thank you x

Please click here to see Aaron's fundraising page

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Clair Runs in the London Marathon 2024 for FMA UK

UPDATE *** Clair completed the London Marathon on Sunday, the 21st of April 2024!

I have Fibromyalgia myself. It is believed to have started during an extremely stressful time of my life in 2005. I was studying at University full time, working 30 hours a week to keep a roof over my head after a split, my family live 200 miles away from me, there were family issues there and what with me having my own personal issues, meant I couldn't be with them as well.

I ended up going part-time at Uni for my final year, which then I had health issues that were too much for my work place, being off sick, got me the sack, and had to give up Uni. I knew there was something wrong but carried on as best I could, even went back to college to train as a Personal Trainer/Gym Instructor to help others as well as myself, I had been off sick for 3 years gaining weight.

After studying, I got the job I currently do in a local gym, I found this was probably the best thing I ever did as I not only walked at least 4 miles a day. I lost most of the weight I’d gained too.

While in the job, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I don't sleep well at night, I’m light and sound sensitive, I hurt in most places, exercise seems to help me with this even if I am more tired after it.

I am running for fibro because more awareness is needed and action to free us from it. It is a big ask to run a marathon as someone with the condition, but I am determined to be on the start line and just

as determined to finish, whether I run, walk, crawl or fall over that finish line, I will get there and show others that if I can, so can they.

Click here to donate to Clair's fundraising page.

If you have been by inspired to fundraise by Clair's story, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..