In November 2023 I noticed a small bald spot on the top of my head, then another on the side of my scalp. They were barely noticeable to begin with but I began losing clumps of hair every day and new patches started to appear. Within just a few months they had grown and some of the smaller patches joined together to create much bigger bald spots.

After lots of Googling I was fairly confident it was Alopecia Areata (alopecia is the medical term for hair loss or baldness, areata means that it occurs in small, random areas). Multiple GP appointments, some missing blood test results and a lot of "wait and see how it goes, come back in a few months", I eventually had it confirmed and was put on a waiting list to see a dermatologist. Nearly a year on, I'm still on that waiting list...

Thankfully I've had all of the support I need from family, friends, and Alopecia UK. There is no cure for alopecia and the hair loss and regrowth can be unpredictable, having a network of people who understand what it is like living with the disease has been invaluable.

September is Alopecia Awareness Month and this year Alopecia UK are fundraising with their ‘Go the Distance’ campaign. Throughout September I’ll be walking, running and cycling to clock up 100 miles (161km) of distance, finishing with a Park Run with some of the lovely people I’ve met through the charity.

Alopecia UK is a small charity working to improve the lives of those affected by alopecia. The charity has aims around Support, Awareness and Research. Alopecia UK relies on the support of fundraisers and donors to continue the fantastic work it does. Regan Mutch