Megan's 20,000 steps per day challenge - raising vital funds & awareness for Addison's disease!

I was eventually diagnosed with Addison's disease in 2021 after multiple admissions to hospital. With continuous vomiting, loss of appetite (resulting in a 3 stone weight loss in just 1 month), dizziness and everything else that comes with an adrenal crisis, I was eventually admitted into hospital for the final time in a very bad way, I was in kidney failure and it was a long time before my blood sugars and blood pressure was stabilised. It was during this admission that I finally got my diagnoses and was eventually sent home with the life-saving medications I am on today and will be for the rest of my life.

With COVID still being rife at this time, and despite the amazing support I received (and still continue to receive!) From my local hospital, I really struggled with my diagnoses and understanding what this new illness was and how it has impacted my life.

With the help of the ADSHG charity, I learned so much, including how to carry my emergency injection kit, how to inject it and other useful tips and tricks. I'm so much better than I was a year ago and I would love to give back to this amazing charity and spread the word of this very rare disease.

So, with that being said, myself and my amazing partner Grant are challenging ourselves to 20,000 steps a day between us in February!

Thanks for reading my story and please do check out the ADSHG website! Even if you do not live with this illness, educating yourself on it may save someone's life one day!

Megan Fitzpatrick