Wake up – train – work – train – sleep. Repeat x 6

I’ve been training hard this year and on track for my goal to complete my first Ironman in under 12hrs. Boom! This consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike & 26 mile run.

However, I've suddenly been hit hard and forced to stop, by Glandular Fever. Caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus, its the first human virus found to cause cancer, and I've been advised to rest for 3 months. My race is in 3 months!

Episodes including fainting in A&E, going into shock, feeling very very weak and being unable to breathe properly, have been both physically and mentally challenging.

For someone who never even touches paracetamol, I was reliant on a cocktail of drugs, pills, drips, needles and electronic gadgets attached to my body. Bring on the Ironman!!

Centuries of medical breakthroughs and the only solution I’ve been given, by leading doctors is “rest”. We need more research into the EB Virus! (discovered just 50yrs ago).

After quite a few emails and phone calls from the hospital bed, I got in touch with the scientist who led the development of the Institute of Cancer Studies. Their goal is to create a vaccine. This would eliminate the potential for children and adults to go through a similar experience to what I did.

I would to like to raise its awareness so that we can create a solution, rather than deal with a problem.

Thank you so much!

From all those affected by Glandular Fever.

Gonna go OWN this race now!