{"id":358,"date":"2025-07-11T14:27:34","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T14:27:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/charitywalks-4fndhope.com\/?p=358"},"modified":"2025-07-11T14:27:35","modified_gmt":"2025-07-11T14:27:35","slug":"the-challenge-begins-why-im-walking-254km-for-fnd-hope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/charitywalks-4fndhope.com\/en_gb\/the-challenge-begins-why-im-walking-254km-for-fnd-hope\/","title":{"rendered":"The Challenge Begins: Why I’m walking 254Km for FND Hope"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Colorful<\/span>
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The Challenge Begins: Why I’m walking 254Km for FND Hope<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This September, I will embark on an epic 254 KM journey, walking 19 days straight,- averaging 13.4 KM each day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of my personal mission to raise awareness for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), I have committed to raising funds for FND Hope to support both awareness initiatives and research efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am grateful to be in a position where I can make a positive impact for FND and myself, therefore I am taking on these challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the start date approaches, then both my nerves and my doubts have begun to surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, I am confident that once I start in September, everything will be fine!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why I am doing this challenge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might think I’m crazy, brave, or perhaps both for taking on this challenge. In reality, I have some very compelling reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personnel<\/strong><\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

So, at the beginning of the year, I was unable to walk or control the movements of my arms and legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afterwards, undergoing repetitive magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and spending three months in a re-education center, I am now able to walk unaided for one hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, the challenge motivates me to keep improving and to truly appreciate my new lease on life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My FND Journey<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Read about my Experience of rTMS<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Learn about my Experience of Re-education<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Offer Hope<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Given that, many people are living with FND or supporting someone who does, and at times it can feel isolating and overwhelming, as if there is no escape from this challenging condition called FND.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, my hope is that by undertaking this walk, it inspires those struggling with FND to believe that their symptoms can improve and that full recovery is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Promote Awareness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before receiving an official diagnosis from a neurologist, the journey can be challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will meet both medical professionals and individuals who have never heard of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, this is a distressing time, as you struggle to understand why your brain and body have suddenly stopped functioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, It is essential to raise awareness of FND among medical professionals and the wider public to ensure others do not encounter the same challenges I faced in receiving the right support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raise Funds for FND Hope<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

FND Hope is dedicated to driving research that results in better treatments, enhanced diagnostics, and ultimately, recovery for those impacted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, by supporting this campaign, you are driving innovative research that brings us closer to breakthroughs\u2014and renewed hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

First,\u00a0I will start my journey in Porto, Portugal, and\u00a0then\u00a0<\/strong>conclude it in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have divided the route into 19 sections instead of the usual 12 to create easier days and better manage my energy levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I never know how my FND symptoms will fluctuate from day to day, so this route provides me with the option to take a taxi or bus to finish that stage if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Read More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Follow my Journey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Find Penguins<\/strong><\/mark> I will update daily with photos and videos of each day – Link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social Media<\/mark><\/strong> I will also post updates to my social media feeds each day<\/p>\n\n\n\n