Rob Dolton
Rob's challenge - It's all about ME - (Myalgic Encephalopathy)
Fundraising for ME Association
Story
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Many of you who know me, know I am not the fittest bloke in the gym, in fact I get out of breath climbing the stairs. But a lot of that is of my own doing and jam donuts. I know I can lose weight, its a mind set thing. It's just that I love jam donuts too much until now.
My wife Michelle has suffered with ME (Myalgic Encephalopathy) for years and unlike me, there is very little anyone can do to help her. She has to leave work due to the condition and will often spend 18 to 19 hours in bed. Great some would say but not for Michelle. She would rather be up and about, enjoying the daylight hours like the rest of us.
What is ME?
ME (Myalgic Encephalopathy), or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is an illness that blights the lives of 250,000 people in UK today. Even the smallest exertion can floor them; their joints and muscles ache unbearably; restful sleep eludes them; and ‘brain fog’ clouds even the smallest judgment. It changes their lives drastically – disrupting education; making employment impossible; and straining family relations to breaking point. People may be housebound or confined to bed for many months or years. There is no known cure.
The ME Association
The ME Association has been campaigning for years to have ME recognised as a severe neurological illness that deserves to be taken seriously. We are working tirelessly to promote research into the physical nature and causes of the illness so that it can be diagnosed quickly and in the hope that a cure, one day, can be found. We also support ME sufferers and their families through our ME Connect helpline. The money that you raise will go towards The ME Association’s work in these areas - campaigning, support and research.
I asked her what was one of the main things she hated about having ME and that was the lack of understanding and the fact there is no known cure.
So, it was at that moment that I put the crisps in the bin (my favourite Smoky Bacon) as well and decided I would try and do my bit to help, not just Michelle's wish of bringing a bit of understanding of the illness to the public but also to raise the awareness of the great work and support shown by the ME Association.
I have been in touch with them and they know of my sponsored swim.
My welfare is paramount to them when I embark on this swim. It may not sound a lot to some people but I have had a number of illnesses that I am overcoming so to swim for around a mile (1500 metres) non stop will take me around 2 hours I believe.
I'm already in training and will keep a blog of my progress from my weight, swimming, food and generally how everything is progressing.
I have no target in mind for this sponsored swim, I just want to bring awareness to everyone, so if you've read this far, thankyou, i've achieved what I set out to do. Plus if you would like to donate to this lardy boy swimming his heart out somewhen in June, then even better.
Finally, when people meet Michelle they often say she looks well, and there is no apparent health issues. What they dont see is all the preparation before hand to get herself in a position to be able to go out. Nor do they see how she is once back home.
Whilst I write this on a cold Saturday morning we were meant to be going out today, it's not happened. She's back in bed asleep as I type this. That's ME for you.
Thanks all.
Rob Dolton
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Many of you who know me, know I am not the fittest bloke in the gym, in fact I get out of breath climbing the stairs. But a lot of that is of my own doing and jam donuts. I know I can lose weight, its a mind set thing. It's just that I love jam donuts too much until now.
My wife Michelle has suffered with ME (Myalgic Encephalopathy) for years and unlike me, there is very little anyone can do to help her. She has to leave work due to the condition and will often spend 18 to 19 hours in bed. Great some would say but not for Michelle. She would rather be up and about, enjoying the daylight hours like the rest of us.
What is ME?
ME (Myalgic Encephalopathy), or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is an illness that blights the lives of 250,000 people in UK today. Even the smallest exertion can floor them; their joints and muscles ache unbearably; restful sleep eludes them; and ‘brain fog’ clouds even the smallest judgment. It changes their lives drastically – disrupting education; making employment impossible; and straining family relations to breaking point. People may be housebound or confined to bed for many months or years. There is no known cure.
The ME Association
The ME Association has been campaigning for years to have ME recognised as a severe neurological illness that deserves to be taken seriously. We are working tirelessly to promote research into the physical nature and causes of the illness so that it can be diagnosed quickly and in the hope that a cure, one day, can be found. We also support ME sufferers and their families through our ME Connect helpline. The money that you raise will go towards The ME Association’s work in these areas - campaigning, support and research.
I was tucking into some crisps on my way home, tired but nothing unusual and Michelle texted me to say she was still in bed and couldn't get out so could I do tea when I got in. Not a problem as we have this scenario 2 to 3 times a week. Her tiredness is different to ours, it affects her joints, limbs and her outlook on life. She doesn't want symapthy, just the fact that ME should be more recognised in the public domain.
I asked her what was one of the main things she hated about having ME and that was the lack of understanding and the fact there is no known cure.
So, it was at that moment that I put the crisps in the bin (my favourite Smoky Bacon) as well and decided I would try and do my bit to help, not just Michelle's wish of bringing a bit of understanding of the illness to the public but also to raise the awareness of the great work and support shown by the ME Association.
I have been in touch with them and they know of my sponsored swim.
My welfare is paramount to them when I embark on this swim. It may not sound a lot to some people but I have had a number of illnesses that I am overcoming so to swim for around a mile (1500 metres) non stop will take me around 2 hours I believe.
I'm already in training and will keep a blog of my progress from my weight, swimming, food and generally how everything is progressing.
I have no target in mind for this sponsored swim, I just want to bring awareness to everyone, so if you've read this far, thankyou, i've achieved what I set out to do. Plus if you would like to donate to this lardy boy swimming his heart out somewhen in June, then even better.
Finally, when people meet Michelle they often say she looks well, and there is no apparent health issues. What they dont see is all the preparation before hand to get herself in a position to be able to go out. Nor do they see how she is once back home.
Whilst I write this on a cold Saturday morning we were meant to be going out today, it's not happened. She's back in bed asleep as I type this. That's ME for you.
Thanks all.
Rob Dolton