Tri-Ing for CMT: Half Ironman for CMT Awareness
Paul Newell
My Story
On July 13th, I will be taking part in the Cotswold Classic Half-Ironman to raise money for a condition (Charcot Marie Tooth Disease) that I have been diagnosed with. I’m not a natural swimmer, runner or cyclist having spent the majority of my life playing rugby. I’m certainly not built for these types of endurance events, but I’m determined to raise funds and awareness about my condition.
For a number of years, I suffered with bizarre and debilitating symptoms; constant pins and needles in my arms and hands, numbness in my feet, and hearing loss. After finally going to see my GP, several specialists and conversations with my family, I was eventually diagnosed with the hereditary condition, Charcot Marie Tooth Disease. To say this was a shock is a huge understatement. I quickly had to familiarise myself with the condition, learning that it is in the same neuropathic grouping as Motor Neurone Disease, and that it’s a non-life-threatening progressive condition with no cure. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions over the past few years as I have had to learn how to manage symptoms (which evolve and develop), and undergo surgeries, all whilst realising that one of my children has a 50% chance of having inherited the disease. I carry a huge amount of guilt around that, which is probably why I have chosen to take on this challenge. I am determined to set an example to my children and show that, despite these challenges and an uncertain future for my health, amazing feats can still be achieved.
I have never competed in a triathlon before, and this Half Ironman will push me beyond anything I have ever attempted. But every mile I swim, cycle and run is for a purpose – to help support the wonderful charity that is Charcot Marie Tooth UK (cmt.org.uk) and their aims and objectives. I want to raise as much as I can, knowing that in the future I may well depend on the help and assistance the charity provides and, sadly, one of my children may have too also.
How You Can Help
I need your help to reach my fundraising goal of £2500. Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly to cmt.org.uk to help fund essential research and provide hope for the future.
Thank you so much for your support,
Paul
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Target
£2,500
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Raised so far
£3,351
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Number of donors
112
My Story
On July 13th, I will be taking part in the Cotswold Classic Half-Ironman to raise money for a condition (Charcot Marie Tooth Disease) that I have been diagnosed with. I’m not a natural swimmer, runner or cyclist having spent the majority of my life playing rugby. I’m certainly not built for these types of endurance events, but I’m determined to raise funds and awareness about my condition.
For a number of years, I suffered with bizarre and debilitating symptoms; constant pins and needles in my arms and hands, numbness in my feet, and hearing loss. After finally going to see my GP, several specialists and conversations with my family, I was eventually diagnosed with the hereditary condition, Charcot Marie Tooth Disease. To say this was a shock is a huge understatement. I quickly had to familiarise myself with the condition, learning that it is in the same neuropathic grouping as Motor Neurone Disease, and that it’s a non-life-threatening progressive condition with no cure. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions over the past few years as I have had to learn how to manage symptoms (which evolve and develop), and undergo surgeries, all whilst realising that one of my children has a 50% chance of having inherited the disease. I carry a huge amount of guilt around that, which is probably why I have chosen to take on this challenge. I am determined to set an example to my children and show that, despite these challenges and an uncertain future for my health, amazing feats can still be achieved.
I have never competed in a triathlon before, and this Half Ironman will push me beyond anything I have ever attempted. But every mile I swim, cycle and run is for a purpose – to help support the wonderful charity that is Charcot Marie Tooth UK (cmt.org.uk) and their aims and objectives. I want to raise as much as I can, knowing that in the future I may well depend on the help and assistance the charity provides and, sadly, one of my children may have too also.
How You Can Help
I need your help to reach my fundraising goal of £2500. Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly to cmt.org.uk to help fund essential research and provide hope for the future.
Thank you so much for your support,
Paul
