By David Fardon.
“When we first met, Sandra and I loved long country walks together. Then about 8 years ago, Sandra became ill. This cruel illness (M.E) leaves her with terrible fatigue and pain which is not refreshed by rest.
“She is not bedbound as some sufferers are but is too ill to work. Sadly, long walks are no longer possible. Simple things like going shopping in town, or doing the dishes can really exhaust her.
“We are so lucky because Sandra does have better days. Many sufferers are bedbound. However, even a short trip out requires planning and pacing.
“Last year I took part in the Oxford Half Marathon to raise money for the M.E. Association.
“The race was rather eventful as I was tripped at start of the race and ‘enjoyed’ a spell in the medical tent before being allowed to run on. I eventually caught up with everyone and finished in about 2.5hrs including “injury time”.
“Along the way I fell over again but I wasn't going to let that stop me! When I crossed the line I was ushered back into the medical tent because the steri-strips had come away from my chin and I then received 3 stitches.
“My fall was recorded for all to see:
“Despite the pain during and for quite some time after the event, I have such fond memories of this amazing event. That's why I'm back this year as part of my 1000 miles for ME also in aid of the ME Association.
“My journey so far has taken me to various half and 10k events and to Southampton for my first ever full marathon. I hope to be running again in Abingdon later this month.
Raising awareness
“It's not all about my running (or falling). I am keen to raise awareness of M.E. and to promote my fundraising attempt for the ME Association.
“I have been interviewed twice already – once in David Prever’s morning show for BBC Radio Oxford and I also appeared in the evening news bulletin on BBC South Today.
“If all goes to plan….. I hope to speak to them again on the morning of the race too.”
MEA Fundraising Manager, Helen Hyland, says:
“It has been great to have David back fundraising for us again this year. His dedication – both to his running, and to raising awareness of this cruel illness – takes some beating. If anybody deserves success in this year’s race, it is David. Good luck, and thank you.”
You can help support David's 1,000 mile challenge, by visiting his JustGiving page.
Picture credit: Barry Cornelius
Fancy raising funds yourself?
If you are interested in raising funds for the ME Association, then why not give Helen Hyland, our Fundraising Manager, a call on: 01280 838964, or email: Helen.Hyland@meassociation.org.uk. You might also like to visit the fundraising section of our website.
Please help us to continue our work
Please donate – whatever you can afford – to help us make the UK a better place for people with M.E. Just click the button below to visit our JustGiving page:
Or why not join the ME Association as a member and become a part of our growing community? For a monthly (or annual) payment you will not only be helping to keep us doing what we do best, but will receive our exclusive ME Essential magazine.