Raise awareness and provide support around TSW

Hi I’m Harry,

Im currently going through TSW (topical steroid withdrawal).

Its a debilitating but rare condition caused by the withdrawal of topical or oral steroids. This video is worth a watch to give you a clue just how brutal this condition is..https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GuaBbsL1qKA&feature=emb_title

My life changed around 2.5 months ago. The phrase “if you’re going through hell, keep going..”comes to mind a lot.

Theres no exaggeration to say this has been the toughest period in my life, having to juggle two house moves, be there for my girlfriend and still try to work has been a struggle to say the least.

A month and a half ago I was bed bound, unable to stand, unable to walk, unable to do anything. Everything was slowly drifting out of my control, as my skin took over. I was at pretty much rock bottom.

Through the worst point I was averaging 1 hour sleep per night. During this limbo period, I picked up a book called “iron skin”, which talks about the amazing story of Brendan John Lee, a full of life character who developed TSW.

At his worst he did the unthinkable and started running with his condition. Immediately I was inspired, and having never ran in my life, decided I’d do just that.

The other day I’ve just ran my first ever 10k (there or there abouts). Unthinkable just 4 weeks ago.

Although I run for me, I run for a bigger cause.

I run because I must, because this condition won’t beat me, I run thinking about everyone going through this.

I’m locked in for a half marathon run in February 2023 and would love to raise some money whilst doing so.

Raising this money will hopefully help raise awareness, educate people and doctors and the flawed healthcare system further, and aid people going through this with their mental health and offer a support system. ITSAN is a non profit org that do just the above, and it’s something close to my heart.

Thank you for reading and to any donations, your support is invaluable. If you have any questions about the condition I’d be more than happy to talk!