Walk on Water!

How can someone who can no longer walk manage to ‘walk’?

On water of course! I had been searching for some way that I could set myself a challenge to raise some much needed funds for Ataxia UK. My youngest sister, Deb, had found a hydrotherapy pool near where I live. Every week Deb drives a 100 mile round trip to take me to the pool and support me doing a series of exercises. With Deb’s help and encouragement I can ‘walk’ across the 5 metre width of the pool 25 times to complete 125 metres each session. My target is to achieve at least 2,500 metres(500 widths) over 20 sessions.

How Ataxia turned my life upside down!

I have always been an active person who loved to walk and swim, entertain visitors and delight in my family and friends, especially my 6 grandchildren. But all that changed, almost overnight, in 2019. Some types of ataxia progress very slowly but, unfortunately, mine has not. At first I had trouble walking and, within just a few weeks, I had to give up driving. After visits to the doctor, the consultant and a stay in hospital I was diagnosed with rapid onset cerebella ataxia. At first I was able to manage with the help of daily carers and my amazing family and friends but for the last three years I have needed a full time live in carer as I can no longer walk or live independently.

Ataxia UK Needs our support

Over the last few years as my condition has deteriorated my family and I have been immensely grateful to Ataxia UK. Their staff have been on hand to answer our questions and provide support for us as we came to terms with the impact of this debilitating condition. I have joined our local Ataxia group and the regular bi-monthly meetings have given me the chance to meet with other ataxia sufferers and share experiences as well as enjoy a lovely social time together.

However, Ataxia UK receives no government funding and only 13% of the UK population have even heard of ataxia or know that it is a medical condition. That is why I am determined to achieve my goal of raising at least £1,000 by ‘Walking on Water’.

I really hope you can help me achieve my goal. I will keep you posted of my progress.Thank you for your support.