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My daughter Rebecca was diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome in 2013 after developing a blood clot. She is now on daily medication to thin her blood  but this doesn't stop her from working in outdoor education and enjoying a range of outdoor activities.

On average diagnosis of APS takes 3 years despite it causing approximately 15% of strokes, heart attacks and DVTs in under 50s. In pregnancy APS is the most important, treatable cause of recurrent miscarriage. There is still a need to raise awareness of APS in the medical community and to improve diagnosis. Research is still needed in order to improve treatments which generally include taking anticoagulants. 

Since her diagnosis Rebecca has benefited from support and information from APS Support UK and this summer she cycled the length of Wales and climbed 3 mountains en route to raise funds for the charity.

It seemed a good idea to join in and dedicate my personal challenge for 2019 to add to Rebecca's fundraising efforts.

Two years ago I swam a mile in open water for the first time and last year I swam two miles in Windermere. The two day Scilly Swim   Challenge seemed a decent step up from that but I didn't realise just how much of a step up! The longest swim will be 3.6 miles and there's more to swim that day ( after a snack and a walk). I also have to swim several miles the following (or preceding) day. I'm less concerned about the walking but it's going to be an exhilarating and tiring weekend.

It's taken a lot of training and time after work and at weekends but I've now managed some sea swimming and two 3 mile swims (one in the sea) and feel it's time to commit publicly as I should survive the two days (with lots of food, a calm sea and a following wind).

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