Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
I am going to be cycling from St David's in Wales to Ness point in Lowestoft on 24th -28th May to raise money and awareness for Vasculitis UK.
I will be riding roughly around 100 miles a day. #400in4days
My wife Vanessa Cole up until 5 years ago led a perfectly normal life. She was suddenly taken ill in 2013 with severe orbital inflammation and facial swelling. She was hospitalised and was given drips with steroids and antibiotics, which took down the swelling. She was sent home and put on a course of steroids, but as soon as she tapered off, the symptoms returned immediately. This led to an eventual biopsy, a year later to determine the diagnosis of this mysterious illness.
The diagnosis was Vasculitis, an incurable rare disease which is inflammation of blood vessels and arteries. Her immune system attacks itself. She underwent treatment over six months involving chemotherapy (cyclosphamide infusions) and immune suppressing drugs. Since then she undergoes frequent tests and assessments including blood tests to manage this disease. She takes immune suppressants and other medication daily.
She has since suffered other conditions alongside Vasculitis such as Fibromyalgia and the onset of Acute Angle Glaucoma. There is evidence of Osteoperosis affecting her now, possibly due to side effects from the medication or the effects Vasculitis is having on her body.
I have always given her my support and I am very appreciative of Vasculitis UK for giving her the support and advice that they have, as they understand about this struggle she battles with and have been there through difficult times.
I wish to raise money for this charity to raise awareness and hopefully fund research into a cure for this cruel disease which I witness on a daily basis.