If you can't run a marathon walk a mile

[tangocharlie]

QUICK UPDATE I am touched and humbled by all your lovely reples, encouragement (and if ciursedonations). I watched the London marathon this morning (Sun 21-4-24) and blubbed for a solid 4 hours. I'm away now until the next weekend so will try to respond to each of you asap as and when I can get wifi. Good news is I'm Covid clear so conscience-free to go on a little mini-break

I've been ummin and ahing over whether to post this. I'm doing a sponsored event, not for PMRGCAuk on this occasion, but I am planning something for PMRGCA week in June, watch this space.

I'm a long-term PMR sufferer as many of you will know from my frequent postings, usually about trying to be positive in the face of adversity and not letting PMR get you down.

With this in mind, I'm going to do a one mile sponsored walk to support one of my best mates who is walking the whole length of Hadrian's Wall, coast to coast across England, setting off tomorrow, a journey of nearly 90 miles which will take her nearly 2 weeks.

My bit is only the very last leg, to wave her across the finish line. I will have to do it on a rollator as I've fractured some bones in my back and I still have active PMR but hopefully the adrenalin will get me there.

I know there have been a lot of pleas for funds for runners in the Marathon recently rasing money for PMRGCAuk to which we/you have all rallied round amazingly and they've smashed their targets, I think around £7000 for the charity last time I looked. But they're all fit and can run, so I'm reaching out to inspire others whose PMR or GCA hinders them from doing what they want to to do in life and inspire people to think about what you can do. There was an article about this in the latest Newswire, do have a read of that section.

My page is justgiving.com/crowdfunding...

Words of encouragement or even better your brass very welcome

PS when people do these things it's not just about raising money, it's about raising awareness of these illnesses. Wendy was diagnosed very late because doctors didn't spot the signs of ovarian cancer, they told her it was IBS. Likewise, all the people that have sponsored the people running for PMRGCAuk will have raised awareness of these rare diseases within their friend and family circles, it all adds up

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Well done you -and may your rollator serve you well 👍🌸

[tangocharlie in reply to DorsetLady]

Not done it yet, congrats may be a bit premature, but many thanks for the encouragement, I'm feeling a bit flat today. I've got Covid and feel rubbish so can't go support friends and family running the London marathon

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to tangocharlie]

I know you haven’t done it yet, but well done for saying you will… sorry to hear you’re feeling rubbish,

[tangocharlie in reply to DorsetLady]

I am a bit worried about whether I'll actually be able to manage it, but I'm gonna give it a try

[Longtimer in reply to tangocharlie]

Whatever you manage, even just seeing your friend run will be wonderful....and supportive to her. Had been wondering how you were.......so the horrible covid is still about.....hope you get over it soon. Our surgery will be doing vaccines soon......so I will be in the queue.......keep us posted......

[tangocharlie in reply to Longtimer]

I'm showing clear, only lasted about a week this 2nd time round. Thanks for those ovely words. It's a year since she was diagnosed and given a year to live . and she's doing much better than anyone could have hoped, it's all looking very promising

[Longtimer in reply to tangocharlie]

It much be so hard for you. Have been in that situation with very close friend, towards the end she was stronger than me. Fingers crossed for her, they don’t always get it right! Glad you are on the mend. 🤞

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to tangocharlie]

That’s all you can do..

[diana1998 in reply to tangocharlie]

Brilliant. Your determination is admiral. Good luck 🤞

[123-go]

What a lovely thing to do for your friend! You are very determined-and brave- and I’m sure you’ll be at the finish line with her.

I hope your recovery from Covid is speedy and that your back doesn’t set you back…..does that make sense?x

[tangocharlie in reply to 123-go]

Thanks for those lovely words and I love the pun about my back not holding me back , i'm pinching that phrase!

[123-go in reply to tangocharlie]

You’re welcome 🙂.

[suzy1959]

You are so brave!

I am full of admiration for you. Whatever is thrown at you , you just get on with it, even Covid!

I am actually feeling a bit better at the moment. One of the things is that in my desperation over my insomnia which has just got worse and worse, I saw a sleep coach last week and am really hopeful that she will be able to help me. The could make all the difference to my pain, energy levels, mood etc etc. I will keep you posted on that.

Meanwhile, take good care of yourself and be kind. You are a star anyway.

[tangocharlie in reply to suzy1959]

I've been wondering how you're geting on, I haen't beeen on here much what with one thing and another. Every cloud and all that, I take co-codemol at night for my back and sleep like a baby. Mindfulness helps me too, espcially when I'm as stressed as I am atm. All the best, more soon xx

[Kendrew]

Such a lovely thing to do to support your friend.

So sorry you're unwell and hopefully you'll be well enough to cross the finishing line with her, but if you're not, then your intent is just as meaningful and still most worthy of my small donation.

Fingers crossed and good luck.

[tangocharlie in reply to Kendrew]

What lovely encouraging words, thank you. And I really appreciate the donation. I will do it even though ll be on my rollator, in fact lets phrase that postively, I'll wizz along on my walker! xx

[Kendrew in reply to tangocharlie]

Sounds wonderful 😊 👍 👍 👍

[MamaBeagle]

Good Luck TC. When is the "Long Mile" happening? Hope Covid doesn't linger. Hope my small amount helps.

[tangocharlie in reply to MamaBeagle]

Thanks so much, its' 1st and 2nd of May next week

[Baner]

Well done for even contemplating a mile. Hope you get to your target, I like to support smaller charities. The big charities are always well represented on marathons. I live on the London Marathon route so will be out cheering on PMRGCAUK runners if I can spot them on.

[tangocharlie in reply to Baner]

Thank you so much, that's the point I'm trying to make, we can all do a bit. My neice has just run the London marathon today for Guide dogs (her dad and I are severely sight impaired but she's got perfect vision) and just when I thought I couldn't love her more, now she's done 4 marathons has decided the logical next step she going to be a blind person's guide for the next one. I wish I'd been there to see it live, it must be an amazing experience for runners and spectators