Am I Crazy......

After starting my new job on 2nd April 2013 as Helpline Coordinator, I found myself signing up to a huge challenge after just 1 week in my role!! *The Great Wall of China Trek*

The trek is over 10 days, 9th-19th October 2014 - there is roughly 40hours of trekking to do! You can see my Just Giving page by visiting justgiving.com/Lee-Anne-Bro... or alternatively you can text GWCT99 £3 TO 70070 if you would like to support me in my trek!

Signing up to this challenge, trekking the Great Wall of China is not only a wonderful way to raise money for the charity I work for, but also an amazing way to achieve my own personal goal. For many years now, I have wanted to do something amazing, something that stands out and something that I can feel good about. Before joining NRAS, I worked as a health care assistant for four and a half years which I really enjoyed and I also studied at Ruskin College Oxford on a Social Work programme. Since starting at NRAS, I have learnt a lot about Rheumatoid Arthritis as well as other types of arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the list goes on. Whilst working as a health care assistant I supported people with RA but didn’t actually know that much about it. Since I have been reading up on the auto immune disease, I have found out so much about it and how many people actually have it in the UK, nearly 700,000!

Over the last 12 years, NRAS have been providing information and support to many people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and the service we provide has become invaluable to all of our members and callers. Even after such a short time as Helpline Coordinator I have been touched by the stories I have heard and amazed at the dedication of all at NRAS. The Helpline is a small team of just 3 people, including myself which seems to be a great support to many people and I am lucky enough to have the privilege of being a part of that team. I have only been with NRAS for 5 weeks now and there is still a lot of training and learning to do in the coming months but I have already had great responses from people on my telephone manner as well as the support I have provided.

I feel a sense that I am achieving and providing something good in life! Isn’t it great to go home at the end of the day with such good job satisfaction?

Last week I attended the BSR (The British Society for Rheumatology) Conference with my work colleagues, which was an interesting day out of the office. There were many Rheumatologists there and plenty of charities. The sessions that I attended were helpful to my training, some of which I could piece the puzzle together in my head with what I’ve already learnt, whilst other parts of sessions went way over my head.

I’ve had a great time here at NRAS and everyone is really friendly – It’s like a small family here in our office. I am happy to be part of such a wonderful charity ?

Lee-Anne

Helpline Coordinator

[nellysgran]

No you are certainly not crazy, and well done with your job, I have been walking on the Great Wall a couple of years ago before I was diagnosed with RA, it was absolutely fantastic but lots of steps !!!! We went on our honeymoon there, i'm sure you will enjoy it.

Wendy xx

[Hidden]

Oh I just got so jealous of you Lee-Anne! I have never thought about walking the Great Wall of China until now but suddenly thought what a wonderful thing that would be to do. Well done to do it for NRAS too especially when you are so new to the job. NRAS is a wonderful charity there's no doubt from me and the helpline do a great job! Tilda x

[nottsexsportfanatic]

I did a ten day trek on the great wall of china where we stopped in different accommodation each night thus enabling us to see different stretches of the wall. It was a truly amazing holiday that I will never forget (this was before my diagnosis so not sure if I would cope with all the steps nowadays). Do take trekking poles as they were brilliant where steps are ubeven and crumbling.

Great cause and great adventure. Do enjoy yourself.

[Sharon56]

Oh how Brilliant that was on my bucket list but maybe it wont ever get ticked off. So glad you are happy in your work. Its so much better when you love your job.

As said before great cause and a great adventure.

[MarciaCB]

Your Great Wall trek sounds fabulous! I think it's critical for all of us to reach further and further. What we can imagine, we can do. Or at least for sure we won't accomplish what we don't dare to dream. Best of luck on your trek. Keep us posted!