Run Lala Run

I'm virtually running, walking and cycling around the world to raise money for the A&E ward that took care of my mother in her final days.

Do you want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money in aid of CARDIFF AND VALE UNIVERSITY LOCAL HEALTH BOARD GENERAL PURPOSE CHARITY and every donation will help and goes directly to the ward and staff that helped. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause which means so much to me.

I’m doing this in the face of multiple conditions that are considered dynamic disabilities. This means that one day I may appear “normal” and get lots of things done like chores, work, exercise and self-care, but the next day I may be completely debilitated and I struggle to take care of myself or anything else. This can happen at any time for several reasons, and sometimes for no reason at all. I am Autistic/Inattentive ADHD and suffer from Fibromyalgia, complex PTSD, Hypermobility and Scoliosis. I also have scarring on my ankles and knees from multiple injuries and knee reconstruction. I have a treadmill and exercise bike at home, and doing these virtually keeps my precious energy directed in the right places while I run my tattoo studio and work as a freelance writer and designer. You can follow more of my progress on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/69036477

I am entering all of these challenges and races via Strava and The Conqueror Challenge: https://www.theconqueror.events

2023 Schedule:

COMPLETED:

Adidas SUPER CHARGE 30K via Strava - January 1st

Virtual NYRR Resolution Run 5k via Strava - January 7th

‍Currently running: St. Francis Way, Rome/Vatican City - 312mi/503km

UPCOMING CHALLENGES:

Angkor Wat, Cambodia - 20 mi/32km

English Channel, UK to France - 21 mi/33km

Marathon to Athens, Greece - 26 mi/42km

Inca Trail, Peru - 26 mi/42km

Amalfi Coast, Italy - 35 mi/56km

Trek to Petra, Jordan - 40mi/65km

Road to Hana, Hawaii - 64mi/104km

Niagara Falls, USA/Canada - 70mi/113km

Estrada Real, Brazil - 95mi/153km

Cotswold Way, England UK - 97mi/156km

10 distances in total: 494mi/796km

I have a bonus “Challenge 2023” medal which is a combined distance of all 10 Conqueror Challenge medals. I hope to win this after the 10th challenge is completed, marking my biggest-ever fitness achievement to date!

I spent weeks training for these challenges since November 2022 but had no idea I would be raising money in the way that I am today.

In December 2022, my mother was admitted with a collapsed lung and later found out in the hospital that cancer had taken over her entire body. Combined with acute alcohol withdrawal, she died 5 days later on the 15th of December 2022 in one of the A&E assessment wards at Heath Hospital, Cardiff. Thank you to the incredible staff and volunteers: Colin, Hannah, Sally, Andrea, wonderful Annie and everyone else who took such good care of us. Thank you for allowing us to stay by her side (outside of the normal visiting hours) and for providing mum with professional and gentle palliative care.

I had been given a chance to be of service in my mother’s last hours and stay completely in that day for one final day, and I grabbed it with both hands. I still can’t believe I was granted the opportunity to give my mother the care, lightness and dignity any terminally ill and terrified person deserves, and be gifted with one last chance to feel like her daughter again. Her face lit up when she saw me, and through her oxygen mask said “oh my god I can’t believe you’re really here” and later muttered “thanks darling” when I told her she was doing great at handling the injections. I will carry those moments in my heart forever

I held her hand and stroked her hair for the longest time ever, and told her I loved her more times than I was ever able to before. I went to the hospital on the morning of the 14th and stayed with her until the end which was around 5 am on the 15th. This ultimate act of grace was a gift that I shall cherish forever, that I was able to be a big sister again and give my little sister the chance to rest after weathering days in the hospital without me there to share the load. I can still hear my sister’s beautiful voice singing songs from that day. I will never forget those 17 hours.

It was a clear sunny day when we came home in the early hours of December 15th, and the trees were filled with singing birds. I’m so happy that I can love the part of her that was so much bigger and more beautiful than both our human experiences forever now. Despite the pain, there were so many beautiful moments with my mother that I have always cherished. I’m trying to create new memories now, based on the beautiful ones from the past.

Many of these miles will be made to a playlist that I have created filled with happy songs that remind me of mum. Fleetwood Mac and Tina Turner feature heavily! Thank you to my friends, followers and clients for all of your continued support, compassion and understanding during such a difficult time.