Hello. I’m Louise and I live in Sheffield. Please take a few minutes to read about my journey with mitochondrial disease.
I was born in Sheffield in 1982, and my health issues became apparent quite early. However, when I was 11, my parents’ health was of most concern – both were in hospital with very serious conditions.
Mum had suffered two major strokes and dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Mum needed care until she passed away from MELAS at just 55 in 2006. Dad eventually had a major op which removed the cancer but sadly, it returned in 2021 and he died in the December. It has been incredibly difficult to loose both my parents at a relatively young age, especially with my own health challenges.
It’s a form of mitochondrial disease, and is caused by a fault on the 3243A>G gene. Both me and mum turned out to have it.
The diagnosis explained my hearing and vision impairment, fatigue, weakness, balance and coordination problems plus the mild cognitive difficulties I experience.
Until 2010 I was able to work as a Nursery Nurse, which I loved, but had to give up as my health deteriorated. I volunteered in a charity shop for 10 years afterwards, but that also became too difficult.
My faith is massively important to me. Along with my friends at church – who are like family – it gets me through everything. I attend the Sheffield Church of the Nazarene and Mount View Methodist Church.
I joined the Girls Brigade at just 5 years old. Now I help lead 50 girls between the ages of 5 and 17 in a whole range of activities.
We have great fun playing games, doing crafts and learning new skills as well as performing a pantomime or show each year where we also crown our May Queen. My church commitments keep me pretty busy, but I also enjoy crafting in my spare time including knitting, card making and papercraft.
…how it comes in lots of different forms, and impacts people in different ways, and at different ages.
… as well as for mitochondrial disease.
Both have affected my family so much.
It’s a really constructive way that I can make a difference, and I hope people will join me.
Whether you support Louise’s mission, any other single mission or My Mito Mission as a whole – it’s all the same great cause.
Spreading the word, following, sharing, as well as donating and raising funds are all really helpful and valued. From running a race to hosting a bake sale, homing a collecting can to giving out Louise’s Mito Mission leaflets – there are so many ways in which you can get involved.
If you’d simply like to donate to Louise’s mission, choose a way that suits you below.
Regular donations are the most powerful way to support our vital work, allowing us as a small, high-energy charity to plan and build from a strong foundation.
We need a 1000 strong team of amazing people to donate any amount from just £2 a month. 1000 is a lot, but – one by one – we know that we can reach it. Find out more here.
For any other amount or frequency (eg weekly, quarterly, annual), simply contact us
We’d love your support with our fundraising… and we can provide supporting materials. Just ask!
Fundraise and shop!
Other ways you can support us
Visit our Support Us page for more inspiration!
My friend Di is a huge support and encouragement to me and my mission despite her own (different) disabilities and health problems. This is us at the My Mito Meet Up in 2024!
Diane and her husband both have change boxes. She wears her hoodie a lot and also raises awareness among her circles.
My mission has helped to raise over £5,000 since it was launched in August 2022, which is wonderful
I’m so grateful to all those who’ve helped along the way! Whether it’s buying a bit of merchandise or giving me a hand on my stall… it all adds up to make a difference.
I enjoy running awareness stalls for my mission at my local church, where I am heavily involved. I am really grateful to the church members who encourage and support me.
It means such a lot to me to have my own mission to be able to raise awareness.
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My Mito Mission is a Charity Registered in England & Wales No. 1176616 at c/o KT Hydraulics, Gannex Park, Dewsbury Road, Elland HX5 9AF
