How I got over! How I got over!
“The great secret of life is how to survive struggle without succumbing to it, how to bear struggle without being defeated by it, how to come out of great struggle better than when we found ourselves in the midst of it. A spirituality of struggle exposes the secret to the world" (Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope - Joan D. Chittister)
Thanks to all those who have donated to my LondonMarathon run for Action forM.E.. With God impossible is nothing! The crowd was electric and so encouraging. I did it in 5 hrs and 17 minutes and 55 secs. My page is still open for donations ! If you haven't yet sponsor me, here is an opportunity. click on the 'Sponsor me Now' button above. Your donations however small will be much appreciated!
What is M.E?
M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Encephalopathy) is a chronic illness that affects many body systems and their functions, particularly the nervous and immune systems. Also called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and sometimes diagnosed as Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS) .Myalgia is defined as a symptom – pain in a muscle or muscles - and Encephalomyelitis as an 'inflammation of the brain and spinal chord, usually caused by viral, bacterial; fungal or parasitic agents.'
My Story
I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [CFS] another name for M.E in January 2008. I was off work for 4 months and through the support of my local GP, a change of diet, graded exercise therapy [G.E.T], resting and pacing my activities, I am now able to manage my health. Action4ME has provided me with information and support group, educating me about my illness. As a result I have decided to give something back to Action4ME in raising funds for the charity as they are a valuable resource for sufferers of CFS.
I am a Christian and my faith has played a vital role in my attitude towards M.E. and being able to run in the London Marathon as I believe God still heals today!.
I would also like to highlight the help I have received from Overton trust - a charity that helps people with M.E./CFS. Dr Midgley [a retired GP based in Colywn Bay- North Wales] who managed his 40 years experience of chronic fatigue has set up a charity to help sufferers of M.E. and Fibromyalgia. He recommend a 100% organic diet amongst other things which has made a vast improvement in my health and further reduce the effect of chronic fatigue. According to the Royal Society of Medicine U.K - 90% of all chronic diseases are due to infection of the gastrointestinal tract -The health of your gut and proper digestion are intrinsically linked to your overall health and the proper function of your immune system so eating the right organic food and taking the right supplements can reduce the effect of viral, bacterial; fungal or parasitic agents, contributing to a vast improvement in your immune system [particularly affected by M.E.]. A daily intake of Fish/Omega 3 oil is great in improving the nervous system [ another body system which is greatly affected by M.E.] For more information or for a consultation with Dr Midgley please visit http://www.ostrust.co.uk/.
I also could not have done this without the help from Back in Action and the use of their mobiliser that motivated me on days when I get up in the morning and did not feel I had the energy to function much less to go for a run. It's also great for relaxation and allowing you a good night sleep. Check out the mobiliser http://www.backinaction.co.uk/mobiliser. It's worth investing in!!
Whilst on a week's church holiday in looking after some lovely 3 years old amongst other fun and during a prayer session I really felt God's healing power. After 1 year and 6 months of battling with M.E. and with the above mentioned practical help and prayer I strongly believe I am now healed! I I still have to monitor my over concientiousness, pace myself and not over do things ...A friend of mine made a joke recently that God allow an illness which highlight my wrong belief about life i.e. "It's all about/up to ME....M.E!" ..go it? Frankly it's nothing to do with ME or M.E. It's all about Jesus!
Finally I would like to share with you some of the songs that really blessed me and got me through my training for the marathon and managing M.E. This I will try to update as often as I can. Please click on the video link to hear the song. I hope it works!
Be blessed! Karen
How will your sponsorship help?
Action for M.E. depends on voluntary contributions to continue their vital work. Your donation, however small will go a long way in helping them to;
improve the lives of people with M.E. by providing information and support services
raise the understanding of the illness among the public, government, and the medical profession
promote and campaign for research in the field
So please sponsor me!
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Action for M.E. gets your money faster and, if you’re a taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Your sponsorship is much appreciated and will go to a worthwhile cause!
NB: I now co-ordinate the Slough ME Support Group. For further information about future meetings, please email me at sloughmegroup@yahoo.co.uk
See also my other fundraising pages: www.justgiving.com/karenroach and http://www.run10ksponsorme.org/karenroach1
Next stop? Running for charity in the world's most beautiful marathon - Cape Town or doing a Triathlon? Watch this space!!! Who knows? Remember: With God , Impossible is nothing!!!
'Endurance is not about being too stubborn to give up on the impossible. Endurance is about having heart enough to keep trying to do the possible, even if it is unattainable' :-)
Thanks again for visiting my page and for your much appreciated sponsorship!
