Christine's

Mito Mission

Based in Blackburn, Lancashire

Hello, I’m Christine. I live in Blackburn, Lancashire and my story shows one of the many different ways mitochondrial disease can begin to manifest, with drooping of the eyelids...

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Christine's

Story.

July 2026

Until I was 59, I never noticed any problems with my eyes. This all changed when I went for a meal with a friend, something we did annually and we always took a photo together. When I looked at the picture that was taken this time, I thought I had blinked. After taking the photo six times, we realised it was simply that my eyes were always mostly closed.

I visited my GP, who diagnosed me with ptosis and said it could be remedied, but didn’t suggest that there could be an underlying cause. I was referred to an ophthalmologist, where upon looking at my eyes, the nurse called a consultant in.

If it were just ptosis, they’d have been able to deal with it.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t just that.

I was sent to a neurologist in Preston, where a lot of symptoms I’d noticed but put down to old age or general muscle weakness, all started to line up with a condition called myasthenia gravis.

My symptoms included having tremors in my legs, which worsened when I walked downhill. They’d even start shuddering violently sometimes. I was given medication for myasthenia gravis, which is known to be very effective and start to open up the eyes quickly, but it wasn’t having any impact.

I was admitted to Preston Hospital for testing, and ended up there for nine days, where I had biopsies, MRIs, x-rays, blood tests and more. I started to have extreme fatigue, like I’d never had before. Being poked and prodded by doctors for such a long time was exhausting, but I knew it was necessary.

At the Newcastle Mitochondrial Disease Centre, they told me the gene they suspect is causing my mito is unknown, therefore my official diagnosis is only strongly suspected mitochondrial disease. I’ve had 2 operations on my eyes (brow suspensions). These were simply to keep my eyes open as they were permanently almost closed.

Other symptoms I’ve experienced include slurring my words, which has caused people to wrongly assume that I was intoxicated especially when it goes along with my muscle weakness.

I’m under a total of seven specialists,

and at the time of writing I’m waiting to see three.

I’ve been told I must adjust my diet, and I’ve always had a poor appetite anyway. Now, I eat virtually nothing and live off supplement drinks. I’ve also been experiencing a dreadful rash across my chest, which the dermatologist is unsure about.

I live with my husband, our daughter Janine who has learning difficulties after she stopped breathing when she was born, and our Jack Russell, Biscuit. I’ve always had Jack Russells – I absolutely love them!

My husband had a stroke a year ago which was incredibly difficult, but thankfully he is virtually back to normal now. I have a son too, Curtis. My children aren’t affected by mitochondrial disease, luckily. My mum died of motor neurone disease at 64, and in fact this was what I initially suspected I had, but it was swiftly ruled out.

I’ve really learnt a lot from having this illness. Most importantly, to know my limitations with energy and movement. A ‘cocktail’ of vitamins including CoQ10 has been helping with my energy levels too.

I’m 66 now, and although many of my symptoms persist, and I know there is no treatment or cure yet for mitochondrial disease, I stay positive. I love taking my dog for short walks, visiting the seaside for the invigorating air, and shopping!

Before joining

mitochondrial disease

communities online, I had never been able to talk to anyone about it as people don’t understand.

I feel positive at last, and I’m thrilled to be involved

in anything that raises much-needed awareness for mito.

Communicating with people with similar
symptoms was a completely new experience.

Any support for my

mission will be appreciated.

Get involved and

support Christine's cause.

Any funds raised by Christine’s mission goes to My Mito Mission’s
central funds to be granted towards research and support projects
to benefit everyone affected by mito.

Spreading the word, following, sharing, as well as donating and raising funds are all really helpful and valued. From running a race to holding a bake sale, hosting a collecting can to giving out Christine’s Mito Mission leaflets – there are so many ways in which you can get involved.

If you’d simply like to donate to Christine’s mission, choose a way that suits you below.

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