5 years ago I was diagnosed with what doctors said was an incurable nervous system disorder called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS for short), which left me house bound and unable to do simple everyday tasks like showering and cooking. Fortunately I did my own research and discovered holistic diets, therapies and treatments which allowed me to regain my health and return to work and travel (you can read more about my story and journey on my website https://lbhealthandlifestyle.com) So this year I want to challenge myself by completing 20 challenges throughout the year to raise money and awareness for POTS UK and 2 other charities important to me - Hft and Solidarity Sports.
Hft is a charity I've started working for. They provide day centres, residential care and supported living services for individuals with learning disabilities. Within these services they help develop skills, such as cooking and IT skills, to help individuals be as independent as possible and gain employment, as well as planning outings and activities to maximise their quality of life.
Solidarity Sports is a local charity which provides a range of activities for disadvantaged children in the local area, including sports, art, cooking, educational trips and holidays.
POTS affects every body part and function, including impaired digestion and sleep, blurred vision, dizziness, heart palpitations and chronic fatigue and pain. It leaves patients bed bound, housebound and unable to work and do everyday tasks. Sadly very few people have knowledge about POTS, including medical professionals. The average time to diagnosis is 7 years, with 70% of patients encountering a doctor who hasn't heard of it and being wrongly told their symptoms are in their head and just due to anxiety. There is currently no authorised treatment or medication, meaning patients like myself, are told there's no cure and discharged without any advice or help and left to do their own research to help provide relief from symptoms and improve their quality of life. POTS UK helps to raise awareness to allow patients to be diagnosed quicker and receive more effective treatment as well as promoting for more research to be done.
The 20 challenges I will be completing are:-
1). Ice climb the Korouma Canyon - the highest ice wall in Finland (Completed 1st February)
2). Walk on fire across 20 feet of 800 degree hot coals (Completed 13th February)
3). 20km walk passing 20 bridges in London (Completed 29th March)
4). Complete the Surrey 3 peaks - 37km round trip, climbing Box Hill, Holborn Hill and Leith Hill, with a total ascent of 1,080 metres.
5). Hang gliding over Lake Garda
6). Climb Ben Nevis - the highest mountain in the UK
7). Climb Mount Snowdon - the highest mountain in Wales
8). Go on the world's fastest zipline in Penrhyn Quarry, Wales
9). Abseil 127 metres down the tallest abseil tower in the world - The National Lift Tower in Northamptonshire
10). Walk the West Highland Way in Scotland - 154km over 7 days
11). Climb the Cutty Sark
12). Sky dive
13). Run my first half marathon
14). Cycle round the whole island of Jersey (80km)
15). 15km race on the worlds largest inflatable course
16). Go on the longest zipline in Europe in Slovenia
17). Canyoning in Madeira along the Levada do Alecrim
18). Walk the Cami De Ronda in Spain - 43km over 2 days
19). Climb the O2
20). Complete 20 parkruns - 6/20 completed
Any donations would really mean a lot to me and the 3 charities. Thank you so much for your support.
Lucy
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