"My name is Olivia and on 23rd April 2023 I am due to run my first Marathon in the beautiful city of London! I am so excited to be supporting DEBRA with their ‘A Life Free of Pain Appeal’, finding treatments to #StopThePain for those living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

I am running the marathon with my Dad who introduced me to DEBRA, a charity that means a lot to him and it’s been incredible reading how much DEBRA has accomplished so far, and the research currently taking place on drug repurposing and further therapies.

At each fundraising event the banners, flyers and balloons have kept a focus on DEBRA, all blue themed and even butterfly table confetti! It’s been brilliant to bring people together for afternoon tea, a pub quiz, easter crafting sessions, or for an evening film, and allowed us time to stop and reflect on the work DEBRA is doing and the hope for the future.

While on my training runs I listen to podcasts, and the ‘Under My Skin’ podcast by DEBRA has been really motivating. Hearing first hand from Lizzie Mounter about living with EB Simplex, which causes painful blistering on her feet and how she ran the London Marathon was inspiring. Lizzie allowed an insight into her world that was light-hearted, educational and a reminder of the additional time, energy, and pain someone with EB would go through before each activity. Every time I put my shoes on for my run now, I think of Lizzie and her determination and it’s such a motivator to get out on that run and not snooze that alarm (which is always tempting!).

So here we are, just a week to go from the big day, I hope it is a day to be proud of, and I am really looking forward to getting round to the DEBRA cheer team with my Dad, seeing my friends and family, and achieving this life goal which, to us both, will feel a huge accomplishment.

Anything you can contribute towards this amazing charity would be so appreciated! Every donation helps for further research and support for families and individuals living with EB.

Bring on the finish by Buckingham Palace and a large lunch!"

 

Olivia has raised an incredible £2,219 so far. We're very grateful for all our #TeamDEBRA runners taking on this challenge to raise money for DEBRA and wish them the best of luck for Sunday 23 April!