Writing Challenge to Support Dystonia UK or what have I let myself in for? #DystoniaAroundTheWorldChallenge

August has arrived and with the speed time is flying this year, it will soon be September. September is Dystonia Awareness month which I always try to participate in. I was diagnosed with a rare form of dystonia, dopa responsive dystonia, in 2012 after many years of doctors scratching their heads. I have been lucky; medication gives me some relief during the day and I have adjusted to being wobbly and a new way of living. Awareness of this neurological condition is crucial for better treatment, diagnosis and research for a cure. Many people suffer for years before they see someone with experience of diagnosing and treating this condition despite it affecting at 100,000 people in the UK.

Writing has been my escape throughout my dystonia journey and gave me a focus away from hospital visits, disability and more recently, the four walls of my home during lockdown. To help Dystonia UK which supports people affected by this condition, I have signed up to the #DystoniaAroundTheWorldChallenge. I can not run or walk 100 miles even with my walker but I can write. My aim is to write for at least 1000 minutes in many sprints. I will post the resulting short stories/flash fiction here from September.

If you would like to know more about dystonia, click here and if you would like to find out more my writing challenge click here.

Thanks for reading and your support whether it is through donations or encouragement, it all matters. 1000 minutes seems a daunting task and I am now doubting my ability to achieve the goal and producing something readable. If anyone has any writing prompts or inspiration for short stories please comment below.

I had better get writing. Take care and stay safe!

Love