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Gemma's 100 Day Fibro Fitness Challenge

Gemma is taking part in a fitness challenge for FMA UK, and you can donate to her fundraising here. Read on to hear more about why she chose to take part in a challenge and raise awareness of fibromyalgia.

“I was diagnosed 4-5 years ago, and initially my life completely changed. It took approximately 18 months to get my diagnosis, and during that time, I became depressed, frustrated, and generally felt worthless. I tried medication initially and found that, for various reasons, it didn't work for me. I eventually came off the medication about 2-3 years ago and started joining support and advice groups like Fibromyalgia Action UK and researching alternatives. It has taken years, but I have found ways to manage my condition. I work full-time and have two daughters, two stepdaughters and a husband. We love festivals and outdoor adventures, but I have had to learn and accept my limits. I don't let my condition stop me from experiencing anything, but I have to make sure I don't physically or mentally push myself too far. I still get days where I am fed up with my limitations, and I can't do everything I want to, but overall, I have found a good balance.

I think it is very important to increase awareness of Fibromyalgia and also to share experiences of how different people manage the condition. I have seen the advice and support Fibromyalgia Action UK offer people and want to help to contribute to their important work.”

To donate, please visit my JustGiving page here.

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Grace runs her first half-marthon for FMA UK

“Hi I’m Grace and I have just ran my first half marathon and raised over £1,200 for FMA UK.

I decided to raise money and help raise awareness of fibromyalgia because this is something that affects my mum every day. Watching my mum suffer in many ways, from brain fog and low mood to burning skin, muscle pains and fatigue, as well as other symptoms, is awful, and it’s not something most people know about. My mum has raised a family of five and has always been the glue between us, arranging dinners and parties and supporting us however she can, even when she’s not up to it.

Whilst this isn’t one of the more commonly known medical conditions, it affects so many lives, and so many people are struggling with it every day. So I think it’s incredibly important to raise awareness where we can, and that’s why I chose FMA UK as my charity to run for!

FMA UK and their volunteers are working hard to support those people who need it the most, and I’m so happy I could help them just a little bit along the way!

Running is something I have got into the last couple of years but it doesn’t come naturally to me so sticking to the training plan and making sure I’ve got time in my day to get out for a run has shown me a level of dedication I didn’t know I had and I’d like my mum to know she has that same drive and determination when she gets up everyday to get on with things even when she doesn’t feel her best.

Running is something I have gotten into the last couple of years, but it doesn’t come naturally to me, so sticking to the training plan and making sure I’ve got time in my day to get out for a run has shown me a level of dedication I didn’t know I had, and I’d like my mum to know she has that same drive and determination when she gets up every day to get on with things, even when she doesn’t feel her best.

Here’s to raising awareness and helping people wherever possible!

To donate, please visit my JustGiving page here.”

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

Josh Runs his First Marathon for his Wife Sophie and FMA UK

“Hi, my name is Josh, and I have just run my first Marathon to raise funds for the charity FMA UK. Today, I want to share a story about someone very important to me and the struggles she faces daily.

My wife, Sophie suffers from fibromyalgia, which causes chronic pain, fatigue, and brain fog, as well as other conditions. while helping Sophie with Fibro, I came to realise many people are unaware of it or misunderstand it.

Living with fibromyalgia is not easy. Sophie like many other fibro warriors struggles to do things that many of us take for granted, like going shopping, doing household chores, or even just getting out of bed in the morning. Some days, she is in so much pain that she cannot leave the house at all. We have strategically placed heated blankets in the house.

Despite these challenges, my wife is powerful and resilient. She refuses to let her condition define her or hold her back. by making adjustments and accommodations along the way. such as being able to work from home, and changing things in the house, such as converting the bath to include a sit-down shower.

As her husband, I want to do everything I can to support her. That's why I think it's so important to raise awareness of fibromyalgia and support organisations like Fibromyalgia Action UK, which work to provide information, support, encouragement, and resources to people with this condition.

To help raise awareness and funds for this important cause, I decided to participate in the Manchester Marathon. Running is one of my favourite hobbies, and I thought it would be a great way to combine my passion with my desire to help others.

Training for a marathon is not easy, especially when you have a full-time job and other responsibilities. But every time I hit the pavement, I think about my wife and the challenges she faces. So I run for both of us in our marriage, knowing that every step I take is a step towards a better understanding of fibromyalgia and a brighter future for those who suffer from it.

I am proud to be supporting Fibromyalgia Action UK and hope that my efforts can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this condition. I encourage anyone interested in learning more about fibromyalgia or supporting this cause to check out the resources available through Fibromyalgia Action UK on their Facebook page.

By participating in the Manchester Marathon and supporting this important cause, I hope to raise awareness and funds for fibromyalgia research and support. Fibromyalgia is a hidden condition that affects millions of people worldwide, including my wife. It's a daily struggle to manage the pain and other symptoms associated with this condition, but with support from organisations like Fibromyalgia Action UK, people with fibromyalgia can get the help they need to live their lives to the fullest.

Thanks for your time for reading.”

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