Borneo volunteer and Great Ormond Street Hospital

I have been told I was a very unhappy baby, crying a lot and always very unsettled. At only 18 months old I was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), which also explained why I was always feeling lousy.

I started having regular visits to Great Ormond Street, where I often received treatment for my swollen joints. My ankles and knees were particularly bad, and it delayed my walking. At one point my right foot stopped growing and shoe shopping became a nightmare as I always had to buy 2 different sizes.

I used to have a nurse visiting every fortnight to give me an injection - The nurse was lovely, but the medication was awful, and it often made me nauseas.

The condition started to affect my eyes, which became serious and more trips to GOSH were needed.

I eventually received funding for what turned out to be my miracle medication.

Every 2 weeks I take an injection and my joints are so much better.

I have now reached the stage where I am ready to challenge myself. Last year I completed DofE bronze. I found the 2 days walking 10 kilometres, in torrential rain, challenging and tough, but I managed to do it!!

My next challenge is an amazing opportunity to participate in an expedition to Borneo.

The trip takes place this Summer 2024 after my GCSE’s.

It will involve working with the local communities, assisting with various kinds of projects that will provide a positive impact and transform their lives, as well as building new facilities for them to enjoy.

It will also involve visiting and helping in an orangutan sanctuary, and a week’s trekking in the rain forest.

I know this will be very tiring and strenuous, but I am currently training hard to strengthen my knees to be able to cope with the demands of the trip.

Besides this page, I have been raising funds through cake sales, coffee mornings, candle making, and fairs but I am now asking for your support to help me reach the final goal and beyond.

I have also decided that with my lifelong connection to Great Ormond Street I will be donating 10% of all the money I raise to them.

Thank you for reading my post

Rebecca