Father Fundraises for Fibromyalgia Awareness After Family Struggles

Stephen Cummings, a father from Newton-Le-Willows, is taking on the Manchester Marathon in April 2024 to raise funds for Fibromyalgia Action UK. His motivations stem from a deeply personal journey, as his fiancé, Sharon Ruddy, has battled a debilitating health condition since her diagnosis with fibromyalgia in 2018. This long-term illness has significantly impacted their family life and daily routines.

Sharon’s condition causes widespread pain and cognitive difficulties, often referred to as “fibro fog.” As a result, Stephen, 42, has taken on the role of primary caregiver for Sharon and their two daughters. He helps Sharon with everyday tasks, from managing her medications to assisting her in and out of the shower. He describes how her illness affects her mobility, stating, “She can’t walk long distances and has to use a crutch, which impacts her freedom, dignity, and mood in general.”

The family’s challenges intensified three years ago when their youngest daughter, Savannah-Rose, was born with two holes in her heart. This significant health issue required open-heart surgery at just seven months old. Stephen shared that Savannah-Rose, affectionately known as his “rainbow baby,” arrived after Sharon experienced two miscarriages. He recounted the harrowing early months of her life when she faced multiple health crises, stating, “It was horrible, we were never out of the hospital. It could have killed her.”

Despite the ordeal, Savannah-Rose has shown remarkable resilience and is now a lively child, albeit still small for her age due to her early health challenges. Stephen expressed immense gratitude towards Alder Hey Hospital for the care received, stating, “They gave us my baby back.”

The stress of managing Sharon’s illness and the frequent hospital visits took a toll on the family’s well-being. Stephen made the difficult decision to leave his career as a chef to care for Sharon and their children. He explained, “I had to watch her helplessly suffering on a daily basis, and it was awful. I do everything for my family; I cook, clean, and do the school run.”

While Stephen feels a deep sense of responsibility towards his family, he acknowledges that leaving his job has had severe financial implications. “Giving up my job has had a serious impact on us financially and myself mentally,” he admitted.

To raise awareness about fibromyalgia and support others facing similar challenges, Stephen is committed to his marathon goal. He aims to educate the public about the realities of living with this condition. “People don’t realise how full-on this disease can be. This is why I’m doing this event to raise awareness and educate people on just how bad fibro can have an effect on people’s lives,” he said.

Stephen’s fundraising efforts are not just about financial support; they represent a call to action for greater understanding of fibromyalgia. The family’s journey highlights the profound impact of chronic illness on daily life and the importance of community support.

For those interested in supporting Stephen’s fundraiser, donations can be made through the provided link.