A woman living with Secondary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) is taking on a gruelling personal challenge to raise money for us in dedication to her Grandfather, a former volunteer.
Sara Broomhall, from Hopkinstown near Pontypridd, is putting her best foot forward as she walks up and down the corridor outside her flat 26 times – a distance of around 16 metres each trip.
Sara, who has been living with her condition for 13 years, can sometimes find walking even the shortest distances difficult and often uses a mobility scooter or wheelchair when out and about.
With the help of her walker though, Sara, who is originally from the West Midlands, was inspired to take on her own challenge after seeing others take part in the 2.6 Challenge online.
“After not being able to help during lockdown, I decided I wanted to do something to challenge myself and to try and help those on the front line.
With SPMS, I have good days and I have bad days, sometimes each step can feel as though I’m climbing a mountain.
I’ve not done anything like this before, but I’m glad to be doing something to help out at the moment.
There are days when it’s a struggle, especially after doing three or four days in a row, but I’ve not got long left to go now and I’m happy to be supporting a charity which is so close to my family,”Sara Broomhall, 50
Shortly after graduating with a Chiropractic degree from the University of Glamorgan (now University of South Wales) Sara received her diagnosis.
But Sara’s determination and strength has thrived and she has now completed 22 lengths of the corridor since she began the challenge on 23rd June.
“Grandad used to volunteer for his local division in Wednesbury back in the day. He absolutely loved it.
He taught me some basic first aid skills when I was just seven. Thankfully I haven’t had to put any in use but it’s one of those things I know I could help if needed.
While the challenge is getting harder and harder I’m going to do everything I can to finish on Sunday, which would be Grandad’s 103rd birthday.”
Among his volunteering duties, Ray used to drive ambulances during World War II and often competed in first aid competitions, representing Wednesbury.
You can help Sara reach her fundraising goal by donating through Just Giving.
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UPDATE - 31/07/20
Sara has now finished her challenge, walking a total distance of 416 metres.
You can still support her by donating to Sara's Just Giving page.