I was an active Doctor working as a GP in Urgent Care and Primary Care as a Medical Director, volunteering as a Resus Council Instructor.   As well as being a mother who was always doing something and relaxed by dipping in the North East sea all year around in just a cossy. 

I rode a push scooter on home visits and at speed with my kids on the school run.  Now I struggle to hold my own head up and rely on a wheelchair to get around.

I caught COVID-19 in April 2020 working on the NHS frontline and tried pushing through before my body gave up.

I have been on an emotional journey of discovery and acceptance and am looking at how I can live the best life I can with a heart that races on sitting or standing and a body which fatigues.  I currently can't have a bath but I will not let that stop me.

I am not alone, and it's important those who's lives have been devastated are not left behind and forgotten, but supported to live the best way possible.  

Please consider sponsoring/sharing this post to spread awareness especially around those who are young and may not yet realise why they are struggling.  

With your support I'm going to start with plunging my face into a bowl of ice water, to raise money, have fun and stimulate my vagus nerve and remind me of the joy of cold water swimming.

If all goes well step two is to try a dip in the sea in a special float and using a beach wheelchair (shout out to beach wheelchairs North East Charity) and the support of members of my wonderful sea swimming club. 

What is take the plunge?

To help us launch our charity can you Take the Plunge for Long Covid SOS? Have a sponsored splash any way you are able so we can continue to send out our SOS.

Have a dip in the sea, or just your fingers & toes.  Jump in a puddle.  Pour a bucket of cold water over your head.  Dip in a paddling pool.  

Be inventive and most importantly HAVE FUN! We'd love to see your photos or videos - lets raise as much money and awareness as possible so we can do more to throw a lifeline to people living with Long Covid 

Share your photos and videos on social media and tag us! @longcovidsos #taketheplunge

Whatever you decide to do, be sure to always follow the water safety code!