I am doing this 50km Ultramarathon for the many, including my inspirational sister Fran, who are unable to, due to the debilitating condition, ME/CFS.

 3 and a half years ago, whilst she herself was in peak health and training for a marathon, Fran became ill with what will have been a common virus and subsequently developed ME/CFS.  She has been unwell ever since, with symptoms of unrelenting fatigue, post-exertional malaise and continuous flu-like symptoms. Compared to many with ME/CFS she is now a mild sufferer but still cannot work full-time, exercise at all, and leads a hugely restricted life compared to her previous lifestyle. Watching her manage and deal with this, mentally and physically has been one of the most inspiring things I have ever observed. Every day can be a challenge for her but the way she has tried to keep a positive outlook on life, remains kind, caring, empathetic and selfless is truly remarkable.

 Whilst she suffers, she still manages to change the world for the better, being an environmental activist (mostly from home/bed), supporting countries most affected by climate crisis and campaigning for climate justice.

 At least 250,000 in the UK have ME/CFS with the incidence only on the rise due to long COVID. ME/CFS is a spectrum disease with 25% of patients being housebound and some bed-bound. Symptoms typically persist for years and recovery is rare. There is no diagnostic test, and no cure or proven treatment. This is why I think it’s so important to raise money to fund research into this awful illness, which receives a minuscule percentage of the research funding awarded to other chronic illnesses, despite it having lower quality of life measurements than most other diseases tested. 

Whilst I have competed in many endurance events, from marathons, to ironman, I have never ran an ultramarathon- whilst this may be a challenge (even given my endurance background!), this is nothing compared to what CFS/ME patients have to suffer, and although this will be a drop in the ocean to what is actually needed for this disease, I hope it can make a small difference.

 My husband, Ian Smillie, is also running the 65km (‘why not’ he said!) and we have also just managed to run the West Highland Way in Scotland over 3 days (154km) to train for this- we felt that was also an achievement in itself!!

 Many thanks,  any small donation makes a difference