This year I am doing something I have wanted to do for a long time, fundraise for a charity called Action for M.E.

My Story

• Having suffered from this debilitating illness myself for a number of years I know how hard it can be to live with. When I should have been out on the town with my mates in my 20’s I was suffering from this illness after having Glandular Fever, I just didn’t get better. I was not able to stand up for more than a few seconds, or had the energy to move about the house never mind the outdoors & felt absolutely awful all the time.

• I have seen it described as it being like having glandular fever, taking that on an all night drinking session then taking your glandular fever & your hangover & doing a 30K forced march across the country. The way you would feel at the end of that is how it feels to have M.E. every day. It is like a carousel, you have ups & downs but you can never get off. This is a very accurate description. Some days you feel better than others. It affects you and everyone you live with.

• I am one of the lucky ones that has got their life back-it does not happen to everyone & I thank my lucky stars every day. Never take anything for granted!

• You don’t so much live but exist with this illness. It takes a long time to learn to live with it. Having support is extremely important as you do not have the energy to fight your corner, so this charity provides that and more answers to your million questions about the illness. Getting through a day is hard enough but if you are alone without a support network with this illness it must be hell. There is no known cure for this illness

• I was very lucky as I was diagnosed early by an understanding doctor (a rarity), so could get in touch with my local support group run by this charity. I also was lucky enough to have a supportive partner & family.

• I never though I would get better some days and went through some dark times. So to be back to full fitness and be able to chase my dreams again like ride a motorbike & do the following challenges, (Never doing things by halves!), to fundraise for people whose shoes I have been in is an honor I am proud to have.

• Running is not a strong point of mine being slightly faster than walking pace for any long distance, but wanting to try & improve my weakness have come up with the following challenges for this year. 

• Thanks to Pro-fit personal trainers in Wilmslow (Jake Nugent particularly for being key in building my non muscular self back to a decent fitness, Ben Westheads intersting ways of getting fitness into your schedule Dale Sims strongman classes and Amy's advice on working on your weaknesses as well as your strengths) & Cave Fitness for their strength and conditioning sessions that have continued to build up my fitness to be able to attempt these challenges;

Challenge 1)  Manchester 10k Great North Run 20^th May 2018

Challenge 2) A Half Marathon-to be confirmed on booking logistics – Wilmslow Half Marathon 24^th June 2018 Booked!

Challenge 3) Walk the 3 Yorkshire Peaks-in planning for 11th Aug 2018

I would appreciate any sponsorship you can afford-any small amount adds up!

I will keep you updated with photos as well ☺

Many thanks

Karen x

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