Thanks for taking the time to visit my Fundraising page.

I've decided to do this challenge simply because everyone I know, doesn't think I will be able to complete it.  I need to take sponsors because it gives me a REASON to do it.  If I fail, I will be letting a charity down and not just myself.  (I can handle letting myself down.)  I also need to lose some weight and become healthy and this, I hope, will kick-start the process.

I have chosen the "Addisons Disease Self Help Group" as my charity.  This is a disease that my Dad suffers from and is one that, I know, he continues to support.

Addison’s disease is a disorder wherein the adrenal glands produce insufficient steroid hormones and generally is diagnosed via blood tests and medical imaging. Its treatment involves replacing the absent hormones. Regular follow-up treatment and monitoring for other health problems is necessary. 

Addison’s is not usually apparent until over 90% of the adrenal cortex has been destroyed, so that very little adrenal capacity is left. This process can take months to years.  Symptoms of the disease, once advanced, can include severe fatigue and weakness, loss of weight, increased pigmentation of the skin, faintness and low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, salt cravings and painful muscles and joints. Because of the rather non-specific nature of these symptoms and their slow progression, they are often missed or ignored until, for example, a relatively minor infection leads to an abnormally long convalescence which prompts an investigation. Frequently, it is not until a crisis is precipitated that attention is turned to the adrenals.

 

You can read more about the condition at:

http://www.addisons.org.uk/info/addisons/page1.html

I have chosen to donate through JustGiving because it is simple, fast and totally secure  (Plus if you pay me the money, I'll probably spend it!!). Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send you any unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll 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.

I would appreciate any support you can give me as I aim to drink NO ALCOHOL UNTIL 2011.  This includes not just donations but moral support and encouragement.

Thanks

 

Lee