UPDATE: We made it! It was an amazing experience, although a gruelling walk with lots of rough (and boggy!) terrain. It took us 11 hours and 29 minutes to do the walk ... and four days to recover!
Some of you will know that I have asthma and that I also do occasional work for Asthma UK. Some of you will think that walking 31 miles in one day when I have asthma makes me crazy! You may be right!
But I am lucky that I have access to the medication that I need and that my asthma is under control. I am lucky because what works for me is a relatively new medicine that would not be available at all if it were not for research into new treatments; I am also able to afford my asthma medication which, unlike medicines for other long-term illnesses, is not free to all on the NHS.
Asthma does not attract the same media attention as cancer or heart disease (or even swine flu!), yet it kills three people every day in the UK. A staggering 1 in 12 adults suffer from it and it is the most common long-term illness in children.
Asthma UK fund research into treatment and prevention of asthma, as well as being a campaigning organisation, including lobbying for free asthma medicines, and providing information to people with asthma and their families, including an advice line staffed by specialist asthma nurses. Asthma UK is funded by donations.
The Perambulation of the Royal Forest of Exmoor is 31 miles of cross-country walking and one of the most challenging walks in the Exmoor annual calendar. It is a tradition that dates back over 725 years. And, yes, we're doing the whole thing in one day!
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Asthma UK gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Please sponsor me now! Thank you! Karen
