Bury St Edmunds woman Andrea Gillies surpasses target of 50 runs and cycles on World Sleep Day for charity Narcolepsy UK

A woman with narcolepsy, who aimed to run and cycle 50 town routes in aid of a charity which supports those with her illness, has surpassed her target.

Andrea Gillies, of Bury St Edmunds, has suffered for 30 years from the neurological condition which affects the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake cycles.

She does not take medication for it but uses fitness and the app Strava to keep her focused and motivated.

On Friday, in aid of Narcolepsy UK, Andrea beat her original challenge of 50 ‘segments’ across Bury and managed to complete 55 of them instead.

She ran more than 15 miles and cycled over 11 miles around the town and interspersed her challenge with naps.

Andrea has now raised £535 on her JustGiving page, smashing her original target of £250.

“I was so lucky with the weather and the sun. I started in Nowton Park which looked beautiful with the daffodils all out,” she said.

“I want to thank all the wonderful people who sponsored me raising over £530 for Narcolepsy UK which relies on these donations to continue their support to patients and their families.

“I would also like to thank the Bury Free Press for bringing awareness of narcolepsy to a bigger audience and to all the people who gave me such positive and lovely comments.”

In 2024, Narcolepsy UK supported 400 people and obtained more than £1.2 million in housing benefits and support. It also presented to 80 schools, giving people information, advice and assisting parents in securing EHCP awards.