The Big Walk – Our Story 

Thank you for taking the time to visit our Big Walk JustGiving page!

On 17^th September, Sarah and I will be taking part in The Big Walk and will be undertaking the One Day Challenge to raise money for lung disease research at the University of Sheffield.  More information about The Big Walk can be found at www.shef.ac.uk/big-walk

In early September, 21 alumni, staff and friends will walk the full Pennine Way (including Edale to Sheffield) covering 286 miles in 15 days.  On the final day the One Day Challenge will see over 100 individuals from the University walk from Edale to Sheffield covering over 18 miles.

On a more personal note (Jodie) - One of the main reasons I am so devoted to raising as much money as possible for this cause, is because my mum has recently been diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension.  She suffers greatly on a daily basis, requiring constant oxygen, and because of this her mobility has been severely affected.  Unfortunately the treatments currently available haven’t had any effect, so mum is currently waiting for an assessment for a lung transplant.

On a more personal note (Sarah)  - As soon as Jodie told me she was taking on this challenge, I knew I had to join her and support her every inch of the way.  Jodie and I have been great friends for (I have to admit it) many, MANY years!  Jodie has witnessed plenty of hairstyles and colours throughout our friendship!  We've shared many tears but more laughs along the way and I can't wait for us to share this experience together AND RAISE LOTS OF MONEY for such a worthy cause.

We are doing this to raise funds for Lung Disease research at the University of Sheffield, specifically our leading research in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension - a life-threatening condition affecting the lungs and the right side of the heart.  Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a rare but devastating condition.  Sadly, most of the 500 or so patients diagnosed annually in the UK die from progressive heart failure within 5 years.  This is a worse prognosis than most cancers, and although medical therapies can alleviate symptoms and, at best, slow progression, there is currently no cure for PAH.

PAH begins when tiny arteries in the lungs become narrowed or blocked. This puts an enormous strain on the heart as it works harder to pump blood through the lungs. PAH is a very serious condition that becomes progressively worse, causing the heart muscle to weaken and eventually fail.

It is this strain on the heart and decrease in the blood through the lungs that causes the majority of symptoms such as breathlessness, fainting, racing pulse and weakness which can significantly affect quality of life. As the disease worsens it becomes difficult for individuals to carry out even normal activities. Ultimately, the disease is fatal without a lung transplant.

Sheffield is a major international centre for the diagnosis, treatment and research of this condition.  We are already making exciting discoveries that we hope will lead to better treatments and ultimately defeat this condition. The money we raise from this event will accelerate our research and help us to develop and test new treatments and make them available for patients as quickly as possible.

Thank you for supporting the Big Walk, together we can make a real difference to the lives of people with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

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