On July 1st 2021, I was diagnosed with a Cavernoma on my brainstem after suffering a bleed on my brain caused by the cluster of abnormal blood vessel. I experienced stroke like symptoms, including partial paralysis, not being able to swallow, double vision and sever fatigue. I was taken to the Walton Centre to be monitored before being sent home to rest and recover.

When I returned home the first thing I did was research my condition and stubbled across the Cavernoma Society. They were the first charity to welcome me to the community and give me guidance on how to process and adjust to living with the news. They made me realise that I was not alone and gave stories of other people living with this condition and gave me the motivation to live with mine.

I am forever thankful for the support this amazing charity is giving me and the rest of the people and families effected by this condition over the UK.

So to give back I am walking 54 miles, the distance from my home in Buckley to the Walton Centre in Fazakerly and back. I will start my journey on 17th September at The Catherine Gladstone Hospital Mancot and walk to The Countess Chester, then completing some miles at Empowered Fit Wirral then continue from The Broadgreen Hospital to The Walton Centre, Fazakerly. Then on 18th September I will start from the Walton centre & walk my way back to my front door in Buckley. Any support you can give is hugely appreciated, living with this condition isn’t easy but I will continue to push myself with the backing of my amazing parents, brothers, family & friends who I am forever grateful for!! 

Thank you 

Chels x