Every muscle group in the body needs both upper and lower motor neurones to function. Motor Neurone Diseases are a group of neurological disorders selectively affecting the cells which control speaking, walking, breathing, swallowing and general movement of the body. Currently there is no cure and MND often progresses quickly. I first heard of this insidious disease when my cousin was diagnosed. Margaret Cartmell dealt with MND with remarkable dignity and courage, sadly losing her battle in 1997.    In 2007 a good friend Chrissy O’Neil was diagnosed. She is inspirational in her attitude and way of living. I think it’s fair to say both these inspirational women may have had MND but it certainly did not have them. It is 30 years since Motor Neurone Disease Association started and they do sterling work, including supporting research. I decided to do something to try and raise money for this very worthy cause.

I am joining a larger bunch of nutters in the Annual Charity New Years Eve Dip in the Irish Sea at Whitehaven Golden Sands, in the Outer Harbour, just past the Beacon. It isn't a marathon but it's likely to be a tough challenge - sea, sand, rain, wind, winter weather.

  My heart did sink when I opened the curtains on New Year’s Eve and saw a dusting of snow! We went down to the Harbour and parked the car, to ensure a parking place. The tide was just on the turn, but the triangle of beach was smaller than usual. We walked home then back about 11.30am.  Panic set in when it was 10 to 12 and hardly anyone was there, then all of a sudden it was mayhem, about 53 dippers turned up with supporters and spectators numbering about 300.Every year there are more fancy dress dippers. I ran into the water with a Christmas Elf, Snow White, A Horse, Scary Spice and 3 men in mankinis sporting wigs., Everyone goes in for their own charity.   My friend Chris gave me hand and foot warmers which worked brilliantly, and my cousins family turned up en masse, holding the collecting tin (collecting £75) when I went in the water.   I've never been so cold in all of my life; the cold pierced your bones. It gave me a tiny insight into the life of a tramp...but that’s another story. I also forgot my spare glasses so went in without any; it was a bit disorientating as I couldn't really focus. I’d left my crocs in Penrith and decided to wear an old pair of boot slippers. They promptly filled up with water and caused me to wade rather than run into the sea.up to waist height, dive under the brrracing water; a 180 degree turn and head back to land.   Having changed out of my freezing clothes, we headed to the Wellington Bistro (under the Beacon) who provided free soup and hot drinks for all dippers. I knew that I could and was beginning to thaw out. Chris and all those others with MND are stuck with it for 24/7, so despite my freezing toes and fingers,  I thought it well worth it.

 

I hope you will take the time to sponsor me and thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple,fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it's the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you and Merry Christmas/Happy New Year!   Hazel