Hazel's

Mito Mission

Based in Darlington, County Durham

Hello, I’m Hazel. I live in Darlington, with my husband who I married in 2014, Mark.

Read

Hazel's

Story.

Up until a few years ago, nobody in our family had any idea we were affected by mitochondrial disease. In fact, like many people, we’d not even heard of it. Now, we know that it’s in at least four generations of our family.

It was my nana (pictured above) who was first diagnosed several years ago. My mum was already suffering from a range of challenging health conditions including arthritis, scoliosis and osteoporosis. She got tested following her own mum’s diagnosis. Sure enough, mum was affected too, and we now know that her muscle weakness and ptosis (drooping eyelids) is down to mito. We’re not sure how much it’s behind everything else, but my mum really struggles day-to-day now with arthritis in her hands. I decided to be tested in 2020 and was told I’m also affected.

It’s hard to take it in. To think you’re okay one minute, then there’s an issue like this

with all its implications.

I found out in 2024 that I have proximal myopathy which is affecting my muscles and hips, and I’m unfortunately experiencing weakness, pain and mild sleep apnea. I have fatigue, and arthritis in my knees too.

We’re all under specialists in Newcastle. People can be impacted differently even with the same gene, so it’s not straight forward and can still leave lots of questions unanswered. Other family members have been tested too but some have understandably decided against it.

It’s difficult not to worry about

what might lie in the future

But I prefer to focus on staying positive and looking after my family and myself as best I can.

As well as caring for my mum I love to spend

time with other family members

I’m step-mum to Kien, Robin, Conner & Alfie and a devoted auntie to Kyle, Katie, Oliver-Lee and Scarlett-Rose. I have two cats – Yoda and Dexter. My hobbies are crafting, reading (fiction by Danielle Steele, Lesley Pearse and Emily McIntire being favourites), cooking, playing board games with the family and sometimes a bit of gaming. My favorite TV shows are Bones, Game of Thrones and Yellowstone.

Thanks for reading my story.

Hazel and family
July 2021

My mission is to raise some
much-needed awareness

… and hopes of treatments and a cure for our family and everyone affected. I’m planning to use my crafting skills to raise some funds for mito research..

Whatever support people can give

will be really appreciated

The more we can raise for research, the more hopeful we can all be for a cure – not only for mito – but for other illnesses that are linked to it too.

The more people know about mito,

the less those affected will feel isolated.

Hazel's Mito Mission

Get involved and

support Hazel's cause.

Any funds raised by Hazel’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 hosting a bake sale, homing a collecting can to giving out Hazel’s Mito Mission leaflets – there are so many ways in which you can get involved.

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

Be a Part of Project 1000 Strong

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.

Strengthening the future of mito awareness, support and research.

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.