Raising Money The Hard Way.

Regular readers of this frankly not-so-regular blog (hello, Mum!) may remember a few months ago, when I wrote a tribute to my college performing arts tutor, Allyson, who died in 2010 after a long battle with MS. All year, her story has preyed on my mind, and since then, I’ve had a bit of an epiphany, I suppose, drawn from a sense of freedom gained from living with a (relatively) fit and able body.

 

Rather than sit in my padded studio and look out at the world, I decided to get out and enjoy it – because so many people are physically unable to. It seemed daft to use someone else’s disability as inspiration, without putting something back as a way of saying “thank you”. So, I’ve taken up running. Not in a major way, but enough to be seen on a fairly regular basis zipping over the beautiful Lancashire moors in a pair of rather attractive running tights and day-glo jacket (you’ve got to look the part, eh?) In fact, lately I’ve not been available for voice sessions until 10am every other day, because I’ll go for a run straight after I’ve dropped the boys at school – for me, it’s the best time of day to go. Mind you, find me a voiceover artist who works from home and wears anything more than pyjamas before noon…

 

One of our voice over counterparts from across the pond, Paul Strickwerda, recently wrote a blog post of his own, describing the challenges faced by his wife, who is an MS sufferer herself. His article is there mainly to discuss customer service issues (with which we agree wholeheartedly, and always apply those rules to our own business practice) but the story he tells about the everyday difficulties faced by MS patients makes for very uncomfortable reading.

 

So, what can WE do to put something back? Easy (well, sort of.) I’m going to do a 14-mile hilly run around Coniston Water, the London-Paris cycle ride, and the Ripon Spartan Race – an obstacle course with a difference. Not all on the same day, you understand… Phil will help out in his own way by, er, cheering me on with Alex and Ben. I’d really like to raise £2000, and I’m doing really well thanks to the generosity of some great friends. However, if you could chuck in a few quid we’d be very, very grateful. You can click on the picture, which will take you to the JustGiving page, or you can text EHMS99 and your amount to 70070 (but please don’t forget to use Gift Aid!)

 

While this is a pretty huge task, it’s nowhere near as huge as the everyday task of living with a serious neurological condition. If enough research takes place, perhaps we might just see an end to MS altogether. Can you help by throwing some cash towards this small effort? I’m more than happy to do all the hard work – for one reason only. Because I can.

 

Thank you.