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All About Izzy
My daughter Izzy was born healthy at full term but our world was turned upside down at 3 months old when we noticed she wasn't using her right hand and it was often held in a fist. After a visit to the GP and a referral for an MRI scan, we received her diagnosis at 8 months old - Izzy had suffered a neonatal stroke damaging part of her brain which controls her right side. Her disability is called Right Sided Hemiplegia which is a form of Cerebral Palsy. This means Izzy has a weaker right side (both leg and arm/hand). Her muscles will contract uncontrollably and she suffers from poor balance. She will frequently experience increased energy demands and higher levels of fatigue. When half of the body is paralysed, unaffected areas of the body must work harder. This all makes everyday functional tasks difficult e.g. eating, dressing, washing. Her full story can be found here: https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/isabelle-blay/

In November, Izzy will be completing her 3rd round of Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) near Manchester. This is an intensive therapy course whereby she will wear a cast on her left hand whilst allowing her right hemiplegic side to have positive feedback/experiences through repetitive tasks/play. There is a lot of scientific research behind CIMT; the treatment has been shown to positively affect not only the hand and arm, but the brain itself, resulting in significant and lasting improvements. Treatment is provided daily over a period of 3 weeks and led by a specialist physiotherapist or occupational therapist. Currently this type of therapy is not available on the NHS and costs approx. £4,400 per block.

The Challenge
I am hoping to raise money for Izzy's course with the support of the Tree of Hope which is a crowdfunding charity that helps children and young people with a disability or illness by supporting their families to raise the money for specialist care that is not freely available through the UK healthcare system. 

Izzy's course is 45 hours over 3 weeks - hence my challenge of '45 in 3'. On Friday 28th April 2023 I will be completing the following Triathlon:

1. Cycle 45km
2. Swim 45 laps (900m)
3. Run 4.5km

I will be thinking about Izzy's hard work and determination to get me through this.

Wish me luck!! My coach (husband Matt) will be cheering me on for every pedal, stroke & stride! He will also be joining me for the run at the end to shout at me to carry on!

Big thanks to Swim Works in Rugby (where Izzy has her weekly swimming lessons) who are allowing me to use their pool for this challenge. https://swimworks.co.uk/

If you'd like to find out more about Tree of Hope use this link: https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/

If you'd like to know more about Izzy, her therapy or the challenge please contact me!

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