Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
The Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA) is a charity which provides information, support and access to established, new or innovative treatments for Atrial Fibrillation (AF).
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm). It occurs when chaotic electrical activity develops in the upper chambers of the heart (the atria). As a result, the atria no longer beat in an organised, regular rhythm, so the patient’s pulse is irregular and as a result, the pumping of the heart is less efficient. The main complication of AF is an increased risk of having a stroke. Across the UK approximately 1.2 million people suffer with Atrial Fibrillation.
I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) last year. I am 'only' 36, and with the majority of those diagnosed with AF in the UK over 60, it is rarer for younger people to have the condition. I had had 'early' symptoms for many years, even when I was competing in Short Track Speed Skating, but it was not until last year as things progressed that I was diagnosed. After my diagnosis, in addition to my treatment, I was given a pack full of informative, supportive and reassuring information, a lot of it from the Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA). It was an invaluable resource for me at the time!
With a great passion for all sports winter, a good friend Vanda Tanner and I spoke about the idea of doing an ice skating marathon (just for fun, and no we're not mad!). When we found one in Finland taking place on Sat 19th February this year we decided instantly that we wanted to do it. The full marathon is some 200 kilometres across the frozen sea, but as this is our first time we are competing in the 25km skating race (15 miles) http://icemarathon.kuls.fi/fim/l2 While discussing the marathon we also both thought it would be a great idea if we could do fundraising for charity while we did it. Van is raising money for the Prospect Hospice, Swindon www.justgiving.com/vanda-tanner, and I decided on the AFA as my charity.
Since I was diagnosed with AF I am learning how to live with my symptoms, deal with the AF episodes, and I have been able to start getting back into my 'normal' recreational exercise habits. This marathon represents a big turning point for me in getting back some of my old fitness, and feeling healthy and happy about exercising again, and it is also not least an exciting challenge and experience! The thought of doing this event and raising money at the same time, especially for a charity that is close to my heart (no pun intended), makes it feel all the more worthwhile.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now. Any donation you can make, even just a couple of pounds, would be really greatly appreciated!. Thank you!
Debs x
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 27/1/11
Training is going well for Van and I, plenty of spin sessions in the gym, and more on ice training and ice hockey too! We're getting ouselves kitted out, balaclava's and ski masks have been purchased...not your usual exercise gear I know but the forecast in Kuopio for the marathon says -20 and sunny so we need to be prepared...we are both so excited....3 weeks today and we will be arriving in Finland!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update: 15/2/11 A couple more days and then we fly out to Kuopio. Bags are almost packed and we are as fit and prepared as we can be right now. It's been a whirlwind few weeks for both of us what with work, fitness training and fundraising, and now the marathon is only a few days away (Sat 19th) we are both excited and nervous in equal measure! Van has a small video recorder that we have decided to carry around with us while we skate, and so if we get a chance (can catch our breath) we will try to capture some of the race while we are in it! I'll put some pics up on here later too. Huge thanks once again to everyone who has kindly donated, and for all our good luck messages. Debs x ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 18/2/11 You know its cold when the Fins' complain about the temperature and shorten the race distances!! Van and I got on well with the tour skates today and did a little 'warm up' 10km skate. We only fell over once each. After today and now we are here 25km seems a little short so we have decided to step up and registered for the 40km tomorrow. What have we let ourselves in for!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 22/2/11 So we survived the Finland Ice Marathon! While everyone else was shortening the distances they set out to skate (due to the weather) Van and I decided to increase ours from 25km to 40km. We had a few falls, but managed to complete the distance in 3hrs and 20mins, in -20c, crossing the finish line together!
It was the most amazing experience for many reasons, the place, the weather, the other competitors and most of all being able to share it with my brilliant marathon skating buddy Van. For someone who has never skated on 'speed' skates before Vans determination and effort to cover the 40km (25 miles) was simply amazing! We pushed ourselves and each other and I know it is something that we will both remember fondly and enjoy looking back on. And who knows, we may even do it again!
Final bits of sponsorship are still yet to come in, but I am hoping that by the end of these 6 weeks we will have raised just over £1000 (including gift aid) for the AFA! This is far in excess of the £200-£300 I had originally thought possible/envisaged, so I just want to say a huge huge thanks once again to everyone who donated and sent us messages of encouragement.
Debs x
