Hi! My name is Charlotte, but my friends call me Lottie. I was a keen runner as a teenager, competing at the county level in both long-distance and track events, and coming home with the gold more often than not. But then life happened: marriage, family, chaos, and running fell by the roadside.

Almost 8 years ago, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Following this came diagnoses of degenerative disc disorder, sacroiliac joint problems, and a split disc in my cervical spine. It took time to realise that keeping moving helped to keep my pain levels low.

A little over two years ago, I rediscovered that passion and started running again. I began with Parkrun and, with the support and love of my running family and my family at home, I started to take part in organised racing. I managed the London Marathon last year; it was a bucket list item for me, and I ran my final retirement race at the Big Half in London. It was a bittersweet moment; a wonderful race, but there were tears as I knew it was my last on foot.

Racing has become a really big part of my life. It has kept me going through some real tough times, especially when the fibro and the spinal problems had me at my lowest point.

Now, running is no longer an option. But I want to keep on racing, which means switching from 2 feet to 4 wheels. Racing chairs are expensive pieces of kit, even at entry level. So I am reaching out for support to help me keep on moving and racing. I am looking to raise enough money to buy an entry-level, upright sports chair. All help is greatly appreciated!