Hi! I'm Jen. You probably know me already, hence receiving a link to this page. But in case you don't, here's a little about me:

I've been dealing with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome for about 5 years. MCAS is difficult to test for, diagnose, and treat, especially within a health care system that is ill equipped to help those with long term, systemic conditions.

What is MCAS? Constant allergic responses to all sorts of triggers. My worst trigger is food, so I eat a very restricted diet of chicken, rice, and a few vegetables. But I also struggle with smells, smoke, air pollution, cleaning products, toiletries, medications, strong emotions-the list goes on! 

The fatigue, malaise, pain and discomfort that accompany MCAS affect the mind as well as the body. Life involves avoiding triggers, managing stress levels, pacing yourself, and trying to make the most of what you are still able to do.

But, what if we didn't have to just suck it up and get on with it! Mast Cell Action are raising awareness of this condition, so that those of us suffering can have better access to medical care in the future. They also provide a wealth of resources for those dealing with MCAS and their loved ones. Their Facebook support group and website have been extremely helpful resources for me, and many others.

So, I would hugely, massively, extremely appreciate your donations, to go towards this wonderful charity! But, what will I be doing to earn these donations you ask?

Well, I will be hiking the 50.4 mile Green Chain walk in my local area of South East London, all the way from Thamesmead to Nunhead Cemetery! I intend to spread out the 11 sections of the trail over 11 days, starting on Monday September 19th, and ending Thursday 29th. (The original plan was doing it all in 4 days, not very sensible!)

Is it an overly ambitious walk for someone with compromised energy levels, you ask? Why yes, yes it is.

If anyone would like to come along and join me on any of those days, you are most welcome to! Here are some sights along the way that you might get treated to if you come along; Severndroog Castle, Eltham Palace, the dinosaurs of Crystal Palace Park, and the Horniman Museum! Here's a link if you'd like to explore the route:

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/walking/green-chain-walk

Wish me luck! But also, give me money please.