Hi, my name is Beth, I have had Fibromyalgia for over 50 years.  It is a chronic condition that is both debilitating and life changing.  With widespread pain that affects every nerve, tendon and muscle. There is not a minute of any day that I am totally pain free despite many medications and gentle exercise. I am not alone, with approx 70 million other people like me worldwide, at different levels, from being able to work part time to being bed bound. I am editor/publisher of a free online magazine helping to support and raise awareness.  Together with other groups (all voluntary), we are working endlessly on campaigns to help as many people with this condition as we can.

There is a very limited research budget which is used for treatments but, as yet, not one research project to look at the cause and cure of this condition, although it has been around for centuries.

Some months ago, I heard of a 4yr old girl who lies in bed crying every night with the pain in her legs and who then falls asleep during daytime pre school.  Whilst this child has been given the medication for Fibromyalgia her GP says she cannot be diagnosed due to her age.  An 11yr old boy, diagnosed Christmas Eve 2014, whose school life is severely impacted due to the chronic pain and fatigue.

There is an urgent need for change, research does not come cheaply or give quick results. Fundraising will definitely be a marathon and not a sprint but together we can and will improve the lives of our children and future generations.

I thank every one that gives even a small donation because it will make a difference.