Articles

Fundraising Stories

Details

Category: Fundraising

Published on Thursday, 19 August 2021 15:18

Hits: 15199

If you have been inspired by James' story to fundraise for FMA UK, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will help you to start on your own fundraising story.

A Remarkable Summit for Fibromyalgia Awareness

We are incredibly proud to share the inspiring story of David Seale and Rhiannon Gardener, who recently took on the challenge of climbing Snowdon to raise funds and awareness for Fibromyalgia Action UK.

For David, this challenge was deeply personal. Having lived with Fibromyalgia for over ten years, the idea of climbing a mountain once felt out of reach. Chronic pain, fatigue, and the daily challenges that come with the condition can make even ordinary tasks difficult, so the thought of reaching a summit seemed almost impossible.

However, with the support and encouragement of a close friend, someone who understands Fibromyalgia through family experience, David first tackled Pen-y-fan. Reaching the top became a turning point: a reminder that although Fibromyalgia changes life, it does not have to take away every goal, adventure, or achievement.

From that success came the next challenge: Snowdon.

The Climb

Armed with determination, informational leaflets, and collection tins, David and Rhiannon made their way up the mountain. While the physical challenge was significant and required recovery afterward, they reached the summit — a moment of pride, perseverance, and hope.

Although the fundraising tins didn’t gather many contributions during the climb itself, the awareness raised along the journey was invaluable. Leaflets were shared with fellow walkers, and the remainder were kindly displayed at the summit café and gift shop, helping spread understanding to even more people.

A few kind individuals offered cash donations along the way, which David later added to his GoFundMe page, and through continued sharing on social media and in local workplaces, donations have continued to grow.

Total Raised (So Far): £226

• Providing information and support to people living with Fibromyalgia
• Campaigning to improve recognition and understanding of the condition
• Encouraging research into better treatments and management strategies

More Than a Fundraiser — A Message of Strength

Perhaps the most meaningful part of this journey is the message it sends: living with Fibromyalgia does not mean giving up on achievement. It means achieving things differently—with support, compassion, pacing, and determination.

In DS’s own words: “I’m extremely pleased I did it. I needed a fair amount of time to recover afterward, but it was worth it. I hope we’ve helped raise more awareness, even if the fundraising on the day wasn’t what we hoped for.&rdlquo;

Our Gratitude

To David and Rhiannon — thank you.
Your courage, honesty, humour, and perseverance inspire others living with Fibromyalgia to believe in what is still possible. To everyone who has donated, shared, or supported — thank you for helping us continue our work.

Together, we climb. Not always mountains,but challenges, misconceptions, and barriers. And every step matters.

You can still donate to David's fundraising GoFundMe page here.

If you have been by Beth's story to fundraise for FMA UK, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..