Libby is Running a Marathon to Raise Awareness for the Myasthenia Gravis Support Group

Most of the people reading this will be laughing their socks off with the thought of me, Libby, running 42.2km! But it's true, that's exactly what I will be doing on Sat 21st Nov 2020, all being well!

The reason why I have committed to this huge task, let's not forget I couldn't even run for one minute over a year ago, is very close to my heart, my lovely daughter Sacha :-) Sacha has been diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) a rare autoimmune disease that weakens muscles with activity. Muscle strength can return with treatment. MG usually affects the eyes, eyelids, facial expression, talking, chewing, swallowing, arms and legs. Breathing can also be effected rapidly.

Being so far away from Sacha is really hard but she is absolutely thriving in Cyprus and enjoying her new life in Nicosia. I needed something to focus on to help me through. I contacted the Muscular Dystrophy Association and was put in touch with a wonderful lady called Talitha, an MG sufferer herself. Talitha has worked tirelessly in New Zealand to get support for all MG suffers.

Here is her website https://myastheniagravisnz.wordpress.com.

Talitha made the effort to come and visit me at home in Christchurch and give me lots of advice and support, which I have passed on to Sacha. Sacha and I very much appreciate the support which is why I would like you guys to help me thank Talitha and all the great work she does for MGNZ.

Any donations made for my first and last marathon will be paid directly to Talitha, the organiser of Myasthenia Gravis Support Group. Their objective is to provide support for the 1 in 100,000 Kiwis who have MG, and of course, support indirectly for Sacha. Sacha will see your love and support for me and it will make her feel really happy and loved too.

I couldn't have even thought about this challenge without the amazing WW programme I signed up for over a year and a half ago. Having lost 15 kilos and started a fitness program, I made a promise to Sacha and Tom that I will be fit by 50. Training for the marathon has been an enjoyable journey of discovery and self-belief. Thank you especially so far to Geoff, Kat, Lisa and Carmel and the Riccarton WW Saturday morning group with Lea and Lucinda for encouraging me, and to Noha for her amazing dietary hints and exercise tips :-)

With less than 12 weeks to go, I got to tell you I am absolutely terrified to put it politely. I really do need your help and encouragement now to spur me on. I appreciate it might not be a great time for everyone financially so please just give as much as you can spare. As long as when I meet you in person in the future you can look me in the eye and tell me what MG is, then my work will be done :-)