Story
At the ripe old age of 23, I wrote a 30 before 30 list - a list of 30 things I wanted to achieve before I turned 30. This list included travel destinations, cooking achievements, family activities and yep, you guessed it, a half marathon. Fast forward 5 years and whilst I am at 14/30 achieved, the half marathon still seems the biggest hurdle. At the time I couldn't run more than 2km without needing a lie down and a glass of prosseco. I am not convinced I am much further forward than this, however with CMT becoming a bigger part of my family life, I decided that 2018 was the year.
Charcot Marie Tooth disease is the most common, yet most unknown, inherited neurological condition. In Layman's terms it's a genetic disease passed down through the generations that causes muscle wasting and deformation in the extremities. There are currently 25,000 people diagnosed with CMT in the UK, although it is estimated that 1 in 2500 people are affected.
There is no cure for CMT, and only a handful of known steps to help reduce the impact of its effects. CMT UK is the only UK based charity dedicated to helping those affected, it provides helplines, support and essential guidance to those affected and their families. No other organisation in the UK can provide you with the detailed information and knowledge that they can, much of it gleaned from personal experience and personal efforts to run the charity.
You can find out more about CMT UK at cmt.org.uk
Finishing the Reading Half Marathon will be a big personal achievement for me, and anything you can spare to spur me on and help this cause is really appreciated both by me and the charity.
Thanks for your support,
Patsy
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