The PaddlerUK magazine March 2015 issue 1 | Page 68

ThePaddlerUK 68

Our epic quest
All of this kayak training isn’t for nothing. I wanted a
goal to work towards to not only increase my fitness
and self-awareness, but to help educate the general
public about what it can mean to have MS. My God
Mother had MS; she passed away a few years ago.
When I was told I had it – I immediately thought of
her and assumed that I would stay semi paralysed
down one side and unable to speak properly for the
rest of my life, and be just like her from the word go;
severely disabled. From speaking with my friends and
family, their perception of it was no different to my
own. It has only been since living with it and meeting
others with MS that has made me understand that it
is unique for everyone.
May 11-13th, over a period of three days rather than
the recommended five, a group of eight of us will be
kayaking in excess of 60 miles from Fort William to
Inverness. We will be navigating a series of lochs and
canals; including the famous Loch Ness… I hope
Nessie doesn’t think us a tasty treat whilst we’re
sleeping under the twinkly stars!

Fundraising for two charities

I have decided to fundraise for two charities off the
back of the quest, The Cheshire Wildlife Trust Living
Seas project, and Climbing Out. It would be so great if
this adventure could not only help to increase public
understanding of how varied life can be like for those
with MS (particularly for those newly diagnosed), but
to also raise some money along the way for two
fantastic charities. If you can, any pennies you can
spare would be gratefully received.

BLOG:
https://paddlehigh5.
wordpress.com
Thankyou to you and my sponsors for your supportknowing you are there in the background will make
any pain experienced during the process sweet. I
already know this will be the hardest thing I have ever
done both physically and mentally, but I know I can get
through it, especially because I have you there
cheering me on.

Stay tuned for paddling updates.
Thanks to the following sponsors:
Pyranha Kayaks; VE Paddles; Astral
hf Safety Gear
https://paddlehigh5.wordpress.com/
about/please-sponsor-me

Above: Chris Brain of
www.chrisbraincoaching.com