Hi there!

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page for The Urology Foundation. I am going to embark on a 51KM walk around the Lake District that’s to be completed in just one day on the 12th June 2021! 

My aim is to highlight and raise awareness of urology conditions and how they can effect your day to day life. Alongside sharing the message for the urgent need  in funding for urology research. I am aiming to hopefully push myself both mentally and physically along the way and reach the finish line! 

I am raising funds for The Urology Foundation as it is a cause very close to my heart. In 2018 my bladder suddenly stopped working, and I was left retaining over 1.5l of urine. After multiple trips to the hospital, I finally acquired a SPC (supbrapubic catheter) to help drain my urine. My urine now goes into a free flowing collection bag that I wear above my knee (or sometimes is drained via a flip flo valve that gives me a little more freedom and control ). My SPC  is a permanent fixture that requires surgical intervention (due to my own health complexities) under GA every four months or so and due to lack of medical understanding of my own condition alongside the lack of research, my catheter is with me for the foreseeable future until a treatment plan is put in place and I can ultimately get a diagnosis. It’s been three years and I am still at the very beginning of my journey in getting my bladder to function, however I will not let that stop me in advocating a voice for those, who like myself struggle daily with urological health issues and the complications that come alongside it such as stigma, shame, fatigue and infections.

This challenge will be testing for me, as I am someone who suffers with chronic infections and fatigue on a daily basis. I am going to have to break past every mental barrier to enable myself to complete the course. However  my determination to succeed will keep me going and I hope you can too! 

I have a target of £500 and I would be beyond grateful if you can provide your support in helping me raise funds that will go towards essential research for urological conditions that thousands currently struggle with! 

I will keep you updated in my training and journey along the way! 

I am also going to be walking in the memory of my late grandad Jim who I sadly lost to bladder cancer. His fight was short and an early diagnosis could of helped in the prevention of his cancer escalation. My grandad knew what it was like to live with a catheter and so I aim to walk this 51KM with his memory in mind. To raise awareness and funds for all those who also struggle with bladder cancer.

 Thank you again! I hope that both me and my catheter get across the finish line on one piece!

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