James & Gordon’s Grand Canal Adventure: Llangollen to Middlewich raising money for OUCH(uk) and FMA UK

Start : Monday 18th August 2025

Llangollen

End : Thursday 21st August 2025

The Big Lock, Middlewich

Once upon a splashy time, two brave adventurers—James the Paddle Master and Gordon the Captain of Snacks—embarked on a legendary voyage from the misty heights of Llangollen, armed only with their kayaks, questionable navigational skills, and an unreasonable amount of pot noodles.

Their quest? To conquer the twisting, winding canal path to Middlewich—powered by arm strength, stubbornness, and the more than occasional pub stop!

The reason for this trip is to raise awareness (and money) for Cluster Headaches and Fibromyalgia.

James’ wife, Ciera, has suffered with Chronic Cluster Headaches for 7 years and Fibromyalgia for 4 years.

Gordon’s partner, Jackie, has suffered with Fibromyalgia for 20 years.

Cluster headaches Bottom Line:

Chronic cluster headaches are not just bad headaches — they’re a serious medical condition that needs proper diagnosis and treatment. If someone has them, they should see a neurologist. Cluster headaches are known as “suicide headaches” because the pain is so bad and intense, it can seem like there is no other option.

Doctors aren’t exactly sure what causes them, but they think it involves a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which controls your body clock.

There’s no cure, but treatments can help manage the pain and reduce how often they happen:

• Oxygen therapy

• Triptans

• Preventive medications

• Nerve blocks or even brain stimulation might be tried

Fibromyalgia Bottom Line:

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain all over the body, along with tiredness, sleep problems, and brain fog. It doesn’t damage your body, but it can make life really difficult.

Doctors don’t fully know what causes it, but it seems to involve the nervous system. People with fibromyalgia are more sensitive to pain signals. It may be triggered by:

• Stress

• Injury or illness

• Genetics

It’s not in your head as some people think, it is a real medical condition that needs understanding to help manage it.

There’s no cure, but symptoms can be managed. Treatment often includes:

• Exercise

• Medications

• Therapy

• Better sleep routines

• Healthy diet and stress management

Fibromyalgia Action UK (FMA UK) Registered Charity No. 1042582

OUCH(uk) Registered Charity No. 1091919