Alice's Squad - Great North Run Fundraising Page
Alice's Squad
My Story
Who are we?
We are a group of twenty-somethings (David, Sam, Megan, Rachel, Martha, Emily E, Emily W, Georgia, Kate) who are running the Great North Run (in Newcastle) to raise awareness about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome.
To do this, we need your help to raise money for Action for ME and in return we will run 13.1 miles!
Why are we running the GNR?
We are united in this endeavour because of our wonderful friend, Alice. Whether we have known her from childhood, secondary school or university, Alice has made a lasting impression on all of our lives…
Alice is 25 years old and one talented cookie; she is athletic (she represented Devon in the 400m hurdles at nationals), academic (she bagged a first-class history degree from Newcastle) and a complete joy to be around (her funky dance moves on a night out were a sight to see!). However, over the last 4 years, Alice’s life has changed. She has become bedbound and is cared for round the clock by her mum, dad and sister because she has severe ME. Alice is unable to swallow and has a PEG tube (a tube into her stomach) for all food and medication and receives additional intravenous fluids. She is in severe pain. Cognitively she cannot read, listen to music, use her phone or speak or be spoken to; this requires too much energy and causes her pain. She is hypersensitive (unable to tolerate light, noise, sound or movement), and experiences extreme fatigue and regular adrenaline surges. It is an extremely lonely and scary life.
What is ME?
ME is a chronic condition that can affect multiple bodily systems (nervous, immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, hormonal, metabolic), though is primarily neurological. One of the main characteristics of the syndrome is a delayed reaction to any exertion (including very minor exertion and passive movement) which is called Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM). The severity of the symptoms varies for patients with ME.
The condition has been long under-researched and misunderstood and there lacks clear medication guidance and treatment for those with the condition. We are raising money for Action for ME who hope to change this by funding research into the condition in addition to providing advocacy and support for individuals with ME, their families and friends.
All donations, no matter the amount, are sincerely appreciated. On the 10th September, we will try to run with as much grit and strength that Alice and her family have shown.
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Target
£10K
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Raised so far
£8,154
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Number of donors
236
My Story
Who are we?
We are a group of twenty-somethings (David, Sam, Megan, Rachel, Martha, Emily E, Emily W, Georgia, Kate) who are running the Great North Run (in Newcastle) to raise awareness about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome.
To do this, we need your help to raise money for Action for ME and in return we will run 13.1 miles!
Why are we running the GNR?
We are united in this endeavour because of our wonderful friend, Alice. Whether we have known her from childhood, secondary school or university, Alice has made a lasting impression on all of our lives…
Alice is 25 years old and one talented cookie; she is athletic (she represented Devon in the 400m hurdles at nationals), academic (she bagged a first-class history degree from Newcastle) and a complete joy to be around (her funky dance moves on a night out were a sight to see!). However, over the last 4 years, Alice’s life has changed. She has become bedbound and is cared for round the clock by her mum, dad and sister because she has severe ME. Alice is unable to swallow and has a PEG tube (a tube into her stomach) for all food and medication and receives additional intravenous fluids. She is in severe pain. Cognitively she cannot read, listen to music, use her phone or speak or be spoken to; this requires too much energy and causes her pain. She is hypersensitive (unable to tolerate light, noise, sound or movement), and experiences extreme fatigue and regular adrenaline surges. It is an extremely lonely and scary life.
What is ME?
ME is a chronic condition that can affect multiple bodily systems (nervous, immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, hormonal, metabolic), though is primarily neurological. One of the main characteristics of the syndrome is a delayed reaction to any exertion (including very minor exertion and passive movement) which is called Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM). The severity of the symptoms varies for patients with ME.
The condition has been long under-researched and misunderstood and there lacks clear medication guidance and treatment for those with the condition. We are raising money for Action for ME who hope to change this by funding research into the condition in addition to providing advocacy and support for individuals with ME, their families and friends.
All donations, no matter the amount, are sincerely appreciated. On the 10th September, we will try to run with as much grit and strength that Alice and her family have shown.
