NTM Patient Care UK
Rachel and Tanya are running the Cardiff half-marathon
We are running the Cardiff half-marathon to raise money for the NTM Patient Care UK charity and to increase awareness of the disease
Story
Why did you want to run the half-marathon for the NTM charity?
Tanya:
I had NTM in my lungs for years before it was diagnosed and became so ill I had to give up a job I loved. I spent over a year on three powerful antibiotics to clear the infection but now my lungs are scarred and produce too much mucus, which is a breeding ground for bugs to grow. I have machines and devices to loosen the mucus making it easier to cough up with breathing exercises but it takes hours every day to clear. Unfortunately my experience is not unusual. The people at NTM Patient Care UK are wonderful and have made a real difference to my life so I want to raise money to enable them to continue their vital work. I also want to show that it is possible to have an active life despite having a serious lung condition.
Rachel:
I’m running for this charity because I feel that support and guidance for NTM patients is really important and desperately needed. I’m hoping that we can help improve awareness and advocacy for people with NTM so that others will not have to experience the difficulties I witnessed during my mum's diagnosis and family members like me will have better access to information as well as a greater understanding of how to support the person with NTM.
Have you done anything like this before?
Tanya:
Not running. I’ve got inflammatory arthritis so my knees are a bit dicky. But I love walking so think the half-marathon is doable with training. And if my knees or lungs are bad on the day I can always do a mixture of walking and running.
Rachel:
I ran my first 10k at the end of last year so I’m keenly aware of the challenge ahead! I’m looking forward to pushing myself that extra distance for a great cause.
What do you hope to achieve by raising money?
Tanya:
With greater awareness of the condition and treatment, people will be empowered to manage their own health. The charity holds regular zoom meetings for patients and carers including question and answer sessions with health professionals such as physiotherapists, pharmacists, microbiologists, dieticians etc. They also produce and distribute literature, and run a website, social media and support group amongst other things.
Rachel:
Knowledge is power and this is especially true when someone is dealing with difficult health issues, particularly when the condition is not well known. Promoting new research, raising awareness and improving support systems will make a world of difference for those living with NTM.