Eira and Zahra's 100 Mile May
Wednesday 31st May 2023
Zahra Hedges
Eira and Zahra's 100 Mile May
**DISTANCE UPDATES BELOW**
Earlier this year Eira contracted Strep A pneumonia which progressed to empyema (fluid on the lungs).
The resulting operation and 5 day chest drain was gruelling for her but essential to her recovery.
She was so well supported at our GP practice initially, then the QEUH - A+E and each of the three wards we were in. There was never any doubt in my mind that she was in the best hands, with world-class treatment and a whole lot of love and care.
I've always felt lucky to have a National Health Service, but never more so than when I learned that pneumonia is actually the leading cause of death in under 5s globally and one person dies from it every 13 seconds.
Eira and I talked about fundraising while she was in hospital and I'm delighted to share that not only did she get the thumbs up at her 6 week check, she's back to swimming, bike bus and taekwondo! While we have to go back in six months they don't anticipate any issues.
So, to show our thanks we are going to be doing some fundraising (and contributing a few of our own pennies!) for the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity (because they looked after us so well) and Save the Children's Pneumonia Fund (because not everyone is so lucky).
We are doing 100 Mile May. I'll be running/walking/cycling 100 miles this month and Eira is aiming for 50.
I know times are hard so there is no obligation, but if you are able to support us financially our charities would be very grateful. Or, you can support us in person! Each weekend this month we'll be doing a 5 mile (both of us) and a 10 mile (me) activity and if you'd like to join us just let me know.
**Update 7th May**
One week in and we are both ahead of target. I was lucky enough to spend a few days in Rome with work so enjoyed clocking up some miles in the sunshine, and visiting some tourist sites. Eira had a bit of a cold at the start of the week but rallied well and enjoyed a couple of long walks.
Total so far: Zahra 29 miles / Eira 20 miles
**Update 15th May**
Halfway through the month and more than halfway to our fundraising target and more than halfway through the miles! Bad news is that Eira has been walking so much that her foot is sore. We've been massaging it out, using ice and the last couple of days she's been resting. Between now and the end of the month I've set a limit on her doing no more than 3 miles a day, and she won't start that until she's better. The good news, however, is that she's been smashing it so has plenty of 'give' - she's already done 39 miles in just two weeks, which is phenomenal for a 7 year old. I'm on 62 miles.
Next update, next week, and thank you fto everyone who has supported us so far!
**Update 22nd May**
Week 3 and it's getting tough! Eira got a sore foot at the end of last week; I suspect it's because she was walking so much. So she rested for almost a week, and is now right as rain, although we won't be pushing the long walks for her. Her being out of action made it a bit harder for me because we have been going out for a good long walk on our days together, so I found myself having to stack the miles on the days she wasn't with me. We're both glad the weather is brightening up though and are looking forward to getting through the final stretch in style.
Totals so far:- Eira 44 miles / Zahra 90 miles
**Update 31st May**
Well, we've done it! After a hard week 3, week 4 was quite pleasant. Eira's foot was better and she had good walks with me, her dad and various friends. As for me, the sunshine has helped, though I'm not sure that having an ice cream at every excuse was entirely justified!
So proud of Eira for walking/running/cycling well over 60 miles this month (not all her miles are logged on my app), and I round off the month on over 114 miles (app crashed a couple of times).
Thank you everyone for your support, it really kept us going and will be appreciated by our chosen charities.
£1,435.00
+£308.75 Gift Aid
raised of £1,200 target
by 44 supporters