Thank you so much to Victoria Turrell who is running a solo Christmas Day marathon to support Lyme Disease UK. Please read her story below and support her via her fundraising page. We’ll be cheering you on across the miles!
Hi there,
My name is Tori. I will be running a pretty challenging marathon on Christmas Day. I am currently out in Lanzarote for a few months – I am a little bit of a globe hopper!
There are a lot of things I want to do to give back and to support what I can in this crazy world we live in. There is one area of awareness in particular that I am looking to get behind, and that’s Lyme disease. My mum has been housebound for pretty much the last eight years because of this disease.
It’s been extremely tough for us as a family to witness and it breaks my heart knowing that there isn’t a magic wand to take it all away. Thankfully, over the last year and a half, she has been able to manage her condition with various treatments and diets. I am super proud of my mum for never giving up and not letting it beat her.
There is no treatment for chronic Lyme in the UK nor is it recognised within the NHS. This leaves many people suffering long-term. Before Lyme, my mum enjoyed hiking, running, and being independent. She was also known for being glamorous with her makeup and hair. She juggled a lot and enjoyed her busy life, taking care of us kids whilst working full time. Looking back, I can’t understand how she fitted it all in!
As I child I never went without the help and support I wanted/needed, and Mum would always be there. She has always believed in me, even in recent years when I started my business venture. I’ve witnessed my mum lose a lot over the last few years, the main factors being her confidence and independence – things we all take for granted.
On Christmas Day, I will be running 26.2 miles across rocky terrain and volcanic mountains. Lanzarote is built on levels so is extremely hilly. I am yet to map my route out, but I imagine it’s going to take me around six hours to complete.
I am extremely nervous but excited too!
Update: Victoria raised a wonderful £825!