So next Sunday I’ll embark on a little stroll around Southampton with a bucket in hand, dressed as a moose.
Sounds bizarre at first, but as you may have spotted on my social media, I’ll be running for a great charity, Hemi Help. I thought I would use this piece to explain the background & to raise awareness of the great work they do.
Hemiplegia, which my parents discovered I had at a young age, is a neurological condition that affects children and adults in a similar way to a stroke. It is caused by injury to the brain and it results in a varying degree of weakness and lack of control on one side of the body. Hemiplegia affects one child in 1000. (http://www.hemihelp.org.uk)
It started with a fun protein bake off competition Muscle Mousse ran in the autumn last year, so much so that I ended up in the final ‘showstopper’ challengeš.
With that approaching, my brother Chris – based in Southampton – had suggested that if I win it, I should do a 10k, and as a bet, run dressed as a Moose! – so, having won with this cheesecake…
…The bet was on! Now, a 10k was not in my training plan at all this year, but I thought It could provide a decent platform to raise some funds for a organisation that help so many.
Hemihelp, celebrating their 25th anniversary, was set up by a group of parents to bridge the communication and support gap they had regarding their children’s Hemiplegia.
Their mission is “To use our specialist knowledge and supportive networks of families and professionals to create awareness and understanding, in order to empower children and young people affected by hemiplegia across the UK to reach their full potential,”
So, I’ve upped my cardio recently to get me around the course, so, with a few days to go, the hoofs and antlers are packed, the bucket is getting ready and the Just Giving page is set up! It’s time to get my running shoes on!
https://www.justgiving.com/MattElson
DisabilityBodybuilding.com 