Anna-Marie is originally from Lockerbie, Scotland. She has been working in childcare since 1994, starting her career as a local nanny progressing to Nursery Manager. Her most challenging role, yet the most enjoyable was her two years working in Japan. Alongside working full time, Anna-Marie's passion for twenty years was Shotokan Karate. In addition to competing internationally, Anna-Marie was also a 4th Dan Black belt Karate Instructor. In 2012 Anna-Marie left her home town to support Meriel's family in Oxfordshire. Anna-Marie and Meriel, have developed such an amazing bond because they spend so much time together which is reinforced with their Scottish connection. Meriel's Mother was brought up in the same area and Meriel's grandparents still live there. Anna-Marie supported Meriel throughout THE DREAM STONE TRIATHLON, together they achieved the final challenge of the triathlon which was Meriel's dream, to place her stone on Snowdon. Continuing with their mission to raise awareness of Nemaline Myopathy they wrote The Dream Stone book for charity. (All royalties for MAP Nemaline Fund- MDUK) Meriel is a bright and cheeky nine year old from Oxfordshire. She attends mainstream school even though she has a rare neuromuscular condition called Nemaline Myopathy. Resulting in muscle weakness throughout the body, causing respiratory issues and scoliosis amongst other things. Much of Meriel's life has involved numerous hospital visits and has been spent trying to avoid common childhood infections. Meriel is inspired by watching sport, especially the Olympics. In addition to dealing with her own health issues in 2016, Meriel accomplished The DREAM STONE TRIATHLON with fighting spirit and support from her family and friends. Meriel has been involved at every stage of developing THE DREAM STONE, from suggestions when Anna-Marie suffered 'writers block', to introducing the book to the design team that offered to help. Meriel took great care when illustrating and choosing the photographs taken by Team MAP-Nemaline, she even helped make the website. Continuing with their mission to raise awareness of Nemaline Myopathy they wrote The Dream Stone book for charity. (All royalties for MAP Nemaline Fund- MDUK) Meriel is a bright and cheeky nine year old from Oxfordshire. She attends mainstream school even though she has a rare neuromuscular condition called Nemaline Myopathy. Resulting in muscle weakness throughout the body and causing respiratory issues and scoliosis amongst other things. Much of Meriel's life has involved numerous hospital visits and has been spent trying to avoid common childhood infections. Meriel is inspired by watching sport, especially the Olympics. In addition to dealing with her own health issues in 2016, Meriel accomplished The DREAM STONE TRIATHLON with fighting spirit and support from her family and friends. Meriel has been involved at every stage of developing THE DREAM STONE, from suggestions when Anna-Marie suffered 'writers block', to introducing the book to the design team that offered to help. Meriel took great care when illustrating and choosing the photographs taken by Team MAP-Nemaline, she even helped make the website. Continuing with their mission to raise awareness of Nemaline Myopathy they wrote The Dream Stone book for charity. (All royalties for MAP Nemaline Fund- MDUK)