Hello, Anne here! 

I have decided to walk the Wall of the China in May 2017 to raise funds for the Haemochromatosis Society. I chose this charity because a special friend of mine has this condition. Earlier this year a couple of injuries left me immobile, in pain and unable to work. I am an active person who enjoys long daily dog walks and keeping fit. Both of my injuries were caused by being overzealous with kettlebells at boot camp - you live and learn. This period of immobility gave me valuable time to reflect on how frustrating it felt to be incapacitated, even in the short term. It made me more aware of the daily struggle that those with permanent health issues may experience. I realised that I am no spring chicken and that if I wanted to do something to help others, I'd better get a move on while I am still able. I contacted the Haemochromatosis Society and registered to raise funds. Below is information about Haemochromatosis and also a personal account from a friend who has this condition.

Walking the Wall of China
The trek is challenging and will be completed over five consecutive days. It is organised by Global Adventure Challenges who arrange charity events and challenges. The trekking is hard, due to the amount of steps I will need to trek up and down each day – it can sometimes take an hour just to trek 1km. Good cardiovascular fitness is needed so my plan is to prepare well by completing longer walks on as varied a terrain as possible over the next 6 months. I have also joined a boot camp to improve overall fitness. I will post updates on my progress. 

I would be delighted if you would consider sponsoring me. Donating through JustGiving is simple and totally secure. Your details are safe, JustGiving don't sell them on or send unwanted emails. It's the most efficient way to donate. All donations will be very welcome & greatly appreciated.

Love Anne 

What is Genetic Haemochromatosis?
Genetic Haemochromatosis (GH) is a disorder which causes the body to absorb too much iron, over time this can damage the organs where it is stored. Symptoms include arthritis, diabetes, chronic fatigue, cardiomyopathy and liver disorders. Early diagnosis saves lives. If identified early it can be treated and patients can enjoy a normal lifespan and good quality of life. Diagnosis of GH is often made later than ideal, simple tests and recognition by healthcare professionals of patterns of symptoms should lead to an earlier diagnosis. The Haemochromatosis Society supports those affected by this condition and works to help raise awareness of GH with healthcare professionals. http://haemochromatosis.org.uk

A personal account - The silent killer 
My name is Terry Field. I am 57 years old. I believe that if it wasn’t for a family GP back in Oxford 12 years ago I would be dead. Being treated for a kidney stone infection, my GP referred me to the hepatitis unit at the John Radcliffe Clinic. I was diagnosed with Haemochromatosis with a ferritin level of cc 3500 (healthy male cc 100). I was told I would need venesection (bloodletting) every 5 days - a pint of blood taken every week until ferritin reduced to normal levels. It took 13 months. I started to have aches and pains mostly in my joints, but my tiredness during this period was acute.
I was Managing Director of an International SME at this time. I ate too much, drank too much, didn't do enough exercise, worked at the expense of my family, I was always tired & uninterested in most things. Towards the end of this period I was struggling to be me. Family life was also hard. Trying to fulfil my work role was becoming increasingly stressful - unrelenting pressure from business owners and demands thereof. One of the main problems is that Haemochromatosis is not well known, even less so back then, so people did not understand what was going on. The fear and anxiety was saturating. I decided to resign. I remember feeling a sense of relief, but no job.
Local GPs in Bournemouth were very much treating the pain, not the condition. I went from one injection to the next for back, hip and ankle pain. I have since had a bilateral hip replacement and ankle fusion surgery. The walls of my heart have an inconsistent thickness and my liver is monitored due to the scarring caused by the condition.

For many people, certainly in middle age, who find out they have Haemochromatosis, the damage is already done. Diagnosis is often delayed as it is often confused with other conditions or alcohol excess. The support I receive now from my local Hospital is ok, I have venesection 4/5 times a year to keep my ferritin cc 50. I live with the likelihood that the critical levels of iron in the past will lead to some form cancer. I remain constantly tired and have arthritis in my hands. But I'm alive. I live in a great place, and walk about 3 miles a day to keep fit and active……this helps. 

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