Hi there, for the last 2 weeks you’ve all been watching and following the “I did a thing” in relation to my new found freedom in form of kayaking!.
I don’t need the jelly legs to work properly to do it and it’s given me the freedom to do some form of physical activity that totally ignores a stubborn brain tumour and MS!!! For those of you reading this for the first time a brief history is that in July 2019, within 24 hours I was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, MS and thyroid cancer. The thyroid was removed and following treatment in St Luke’s, I’m now cancer free. The other afflictions are here to stay, they create their own issues but that’s ok, because they’re part of the new me…..But now the story moves on an to another level… I started kayaking (on a sit on board) on July 1st this year, and discovered a whole new world of ability! It’s something I can do and seem to love, it’s physical but it’s in water! I’m not going to lie, it’s not easy and I’ve discovered aches in places where I didn’t think was possible! So….
“I’m going to do a thing”.
 
Saturday September 25th I’m going to paddle from the northern tip of Lough Ree (Lanesborough) to the southern tip (Athlone) as a fundraising event for the charity that’s closest to my heart, Brain Tumour Ireland! This is not a direct fundraiser for them but a stepping stone towards a monster event that I’m putting on for them next year on june 26th (2022). I’m not making this public yet until our launch date in October, but believe me when I say it’s massive, it is!!! Orchestral musicians from around Ireland, Europe and the USA, Choristers from all over Ireland along with 4 national and international conductors, not only are taking part but are also paying to do so in order to raise much needed funds and awareness for Brain Tumour Ireland.
In order to do this, I need to raise about €5000 in advance to cover things like hire of the venue, staging, insurance etc. Unlike most charitable events I don’t want this to be one where most of the money raised goes to expenses which is why I’m doing this. I hope to raise it all in advance! If you know me, you know I a determined stubborn woman who won’t let an illness hold me back so I’m going hell for leather at achieving this paddle, roughly 32kms in total! If you’re in a position to contribute, please do.