Even though I’m having a bit of a break from fundraising, there has still been some activity in the background, which I thought I’d report back to you.
A couple of weeks ago, Bobby put on his sports gear and took part in his very first fun run. Thank you so much Bobby …we are all very proud of you and thankful for your contribution to our funds. We don’t have a total yet for Bobby’s fun run so if you feel like adding to his fundraising efforts, please donate via the link below and give Bobby a mention.
This morning, another group of athletes donned their running gear to take part in the Manchester Gung Ho 5K Challenge. Niamh, Becca, Tiah, Alex, Jordan, Duane and Matt are all part of the Stephenson’s team, who never fail to support our fundraising efforts.
Gung Ho is a 5K with a difference…the course involves running, climbing, jumping and sliding over various inflatables and other obstacles, with a bit of foam thrown in for good measure! The intrepid team had a great morning and managed to complete the course in around 40 minutes. I’m told it was great fun, but “much harder than we thought it would be”!
Well done all of you and thank you so much for your efforts ?
We’ll have a total for the team soon, but in the meantime, if you’d like to sponsor them , please click on the link below and mention them in your comment.
Apologies for the radio silence …it’s been a tough old week for me! I really did overdo it last weekend …on my feet for far too long, too much lifting and carrying and staying up late (for me anyway!). I have felt overwhelmed with fatigue and ataxia** ever since and have been concentrating on work and resting.
** Ataxia is the medical term for lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements. In MS this can be seen as clumsiness, unsteady gait, impaired eye and limb movements, and speech problems. In some cases, the lack of coordination is seen as tremor.
Other than that, it has been a really good week. I’m still feeling thrilled at the amount of money raised at our evening event and still receiving donations from people who couldn’t make it …thank you again everyone.
I was planning on taking a step back from fundraising over the next few weeks as I have a lot to do to get ready for my trip to Russia, but I’ve been contacted by a few people with amazing offers of help …
??♀️ My fabulous friend, Beth, has recently learnt the art of Tarot reading, so we are planning a small evening of readings, drinks and nibbles sometime soon. Thank you Beth xx
☕️ A local coffee shop / bar has offered to host an event …more info to follow once we have it.
? A Chinese restaurant has been in touch to offer a fundraising evening. We are at the very beginning of planning this one, but hopefully another fun evening coming soon!
In addition, we have a few fundraisers already in the pipeline …
Glenda is taking part in a sponsored 10K Nordic Walk in April.
Niamh and a team of workmates from Stephenson’s are taking part in the Manchester Gung Ho inflatable 5K at Heaton Park on 6th April.
Alex, Connor, Gleaves and Carl are still working on their mammoth 100K (58 miles) Peak District Mountain Bike challenge.
Cal’s head and chin shave is coming soon!
I am planning to pay for my treatment before we fall off the Brexit cliff on 29th March, so will be borrowing the outstanding amount (and will continue to fundraisers when I’m well enough).
In other news, I have started the process of arranging Visas for myself and Karen this week …it’s really happening folks! ??
I didn’t want to finish this post without acknowledging a big event in the MS world that took place this week. As you maybe aware, Hollywood star, Selma Blair was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis last Summer. This week, she rocked on the red carpet for the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, with a custom made cane, looking beautiful, fierce, vulnerable and so much more.
She has also given a TV interview, despite being in the middle of an MS relapse affecting her speech.
Selma speaks openly and honestly about her MS on her Instagram page and has also had an interview published in Vanity Fair.
Thank you Selma for not hiding away and for your honesty in sharing the ups and downs of living with MS. There is much happiness to share too and I’m glad that people are getting to see that.
