Matthew Doherty has applied for applied for the FjallRaven Polar 2015, which is an approximately 300km long winter adventure across the arctic tundra. The participants will steer a dog sled all the way from Signaldalen, Norway, to the forests around Jukkasjärvi, Swedish Lappland.
Conditions can be grim at times, even if the weather is usually relatively stable in April north of the Arctic circle.
Matthew wants to raise awareness for Thyroid UK and we are therefore helping him to raise awareness of his application.
The application period closes on 12 December and visitors to the website can vote for the submission they like the most and the objective is to win as many votes as possible. This is what he has to say:
"At 19 years of age, I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism, I discovered this after finding I had little energy, even a 15 minute walk to the local shops became exhausting. However, as anyone who has suffered with Hyperthyroidism, may know, this is the tip of the iceberg, from a physical sense. I also dramatically lost weight, and went down to around 7 stone (44 kg). This lead to my diagnosis and medication was used to control my hyperthyroidism, albeit with mixed results. So at the age of 24 I'd decided enough was enough, and opted for a thyroidectomy. I knew that this would result in hypothyroidism. However, it was the right choice, as I had developed Graves’ disease. The side-affects weren't as aggressive, and I always struggled medication wise. This apparently can often be the case for men.
After the operation, I would consider my life in general to have improved dramatically. I was able to re-train as a gym/fitness instructor, which encouraged me to go back to college to study Sports and Exercise Science. Once I finished with my studies at college at the age of 26, I felt that the next step was university. It was at university that I discovered my passion for the outdoors, whilst on an Outdoor Studies Bsc. Since then I have always tried to push myself and enjoy every moment, with the outdoors being a part of this. This is why I have applied for FjallRaven Polar 2015. I hope that I am selected for this trip of a lifetime.
Importantly, in doing so I would like to raise awareness for Thyroid UK, and thyroid health related issues in general. I realise that I am incredibly lucky to participate in many outdoor related activities, especially with hypothyroidism. Therefore, if it would be possible to raise awareness through this fantastic journey, then it would be really worthwhile."
Please vote for Matthew and he can raise awareness for thyroid disease!
To vote for Matthew please go to:
Calcium levels, hypo and hyperthyroidism - implications for bone health
GP won't raise my Levothyroxine
Radioiodine Treatment, the risks to others, how long will I need to be off work etc
