200 miles, in 4 days, in December.
What could possibly go wrong?
A big THANK YOU! to everyone who has supported me on my 50 mile Grand Slam, whether by raising awareness, sponsorship or helping me through the races. The Chiltern Wonderland report is here: https://puckfarkinsons.uk/finished-business/
I started the year with the goal of completing the slam, but things have somewhat expanded with the Winter Downs 200 which is my next fundraising challenge. The fundraising page is here: https://app.collectionpot.com/pot/puckfarkinsons200/
The fundraising is being split between Cureparkinsons and Parkinsons UK (which is why it is via Collectionpot this time rather than Justgiving, as fundraising via them for more than one charity is a pain).
Nearly there…
One week to go until the final 50 mile race of the Centurion Slam, the “Chiltern Wonderland”. To quote the race website “The CW50 is a 50 mile single loop around the beautiful Chiltern countryside. The route takes in 5600ft of climb and visits picturesque villages, bursting with history, featuring locations made famous by British film & television.”
Hiding in the wonderful description is the height statistic- it is only 100ft less ascent than the South Downs Way, so it will still be a tough day in the office. Although it is offset by the route going past Cobstone Windmill (which is home to Caractacus Potts in the film “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”).
Hopefully the weather will be a bit cooler by then. Thanks to everyone who has supported me so far! (And the fundraising link is in the menu somewhere…)
In other news, the Parkinson’s is progressing. My left hand side tremor is becoming more of a constant rather than intermittent thing, and my left arm has developed “tennis elbow”-like symptoms and gives me burning pain in my left thumb when extending my arms, so, amongst other things, putting my socks on is daily agony (what with my feet being so far away, lol). Typing can be a bit hit and miss (more miss than hit) when the left hand is waving around on its own.
At the end of December I’m back to the National Neurological Hospital for a consultation about Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). If I’m a suitable candidate then the process involves electrodes being inserted into my brain, controlled by a pulse generator (like a pacemaker) which sits near my collarbone. It’s not a cure, rather a different form of treatment and does not stop the disease from progressing.
Nothing exists at the moment that does.
Which is why I fundraise to help research into the disease. And although next week I’ll hopefully finish the final 50 mile race, my training will continue. Because my next challenge is my biggest one yet: 200 miles.
https://www.centurionrunning.com/races/winter-downs-200-2023