Hi, my name is Ellen and I am 16 years old. Around this time last year my life became very different as, out of the blue, I started to lose consciousness with regular and increasing frequency. Within 6 weeks the situation had become so severe that I was admitted to hospital and was fainting up to 8 times per day. What a lot of people don’t know, and what I would like to raise awareness of, is that there are many different types of fainting conditions (some examples include PoTS, vasovagal syncope, RAS syncope, psychogenic syncope etc). I suffer from two different types of syncope.

As a result, I missed almost 3 months of schooling, I couldn’t socialise with my friends how I used to, and my love of hockey and swimming had to take a back seat while medical investigations continued. My parents reached out to the STARS charity for advice and support and they were very understanding and knowledgeable and helped point us in the right direction to seek help. I am not cured, however, I have found ways to manage my condition better. I no longer need a wheelchair to get around and I returned to full time education a number of months ago. Whilst there continues to be highs and lows, I feel more positive that things are improving and I have accepted a different

‘normal’. There is light at the end of the tunnel and I want others in the same position to know that things will improve and to seek help for

their symptoms. There are lots of treatment options. I have regained my passion for swimming and have made this the focus of my fundraising efforts.

Your donations will encourage me to keep swimming! I will keep you posted as to how far I have swam!

*This is, however, only one story. There are thousands of people in the UK alone as they cannot get the adequate help they need. Do you want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money in aid of SYNCOPE TRUST AND REFLEX ANOXIC SEIZURES and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about SYNCOPE TRUST AND REFLEX ANOXIC SEIZURES: We work with individuals, families and medical professionals to offer information and support on Syncope & Reflex Anoxic Seizures*

Just keep swimming!