Bath 50K Challenge

"This isn’t an easy story for me to tell, and, if you know me, you know how much I resist telling it! To survive the sheer hell of my child having Lissencephaly, I have created an armour and follow my husband Andrew’s school motto ‘carpe diem’ (seize the day). I can’t face reality because it’s too painful. I can’t think about the future because it’s too terrifying. I physically felt my heart break when the consultants gave a diagnosis and prognosis, and the patches that now hold it together are fragile. Letting my defences down to acknowledge and share my reality makes me incredibly vulnerable, 

I’m doing this because I really want to describe the significance of this small charity and the work that they do. In 2023, they invited me and a selection of other like minded Mums whose children suffer with medical resistant epilepsy, to a retreat. In this secluded venue high on the cliff tops of West Wales, a safe space was created for us to rebalance, heal and rejuvenate. I found a group of kindred spirits. We all have to bear the suffering of our children and the pain of doing so is very real, as is the need to soldier on and cope. The impact of this retreat, and the one that followed in 2024, was immense. I didn’t feel alone any more. I didn’t have to pretend that everything was fine. I could cry.

I have made strong and genuine bonds with people I can trust and turn to when times are tough, a mutual support network of mums who just get it! I have also developed tools and techniques to help maintain a state of calm and good mental health, which means I can continue to be a good mum. So you see, the Daisy Garland go over and above. They see the big picture and support the whole family, ensuring the child with medical resistant epilepsy is surrounded by the strength that they need. I am eternally grateful, which is why I have committed to the Ultra Challenge. Walking 50km with an elevation gain of 930m through and around Bath is going to be tough. But I am determined to raise awareness and much needed funds so that the Daisy Garland can help others. Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me. You will be my driving force on Saturday. And if you’ve not had time to donate yet, you can find the link below "