Hi I’m Emily,
On May the 1st 2021 I'm completing an ultra marathon for the amazing charity Age connects Morgannwg! A charity close to me as they help so many people who wouldn't get the help and support they needed without them. (Routes have been made to follow government guidelines)
I started my business, Cope, to help women that suffer from chronic illness to become fitter and more able to manage their conditions. I have Endometriosis and pcos and at my worst I was spending weeks in bed wracked with pain. I've had upwards of 5 surgeries to manage the symptoms, and all the medication and being unable to exercise saw my weight rocket to over 17 stone. Since I've started exercising and looking at my nutrition I've lost 7 stone in weight, and my symptoms are more under control than they have ever been. It's not been straightforward, I'm not pain free now and the extra weight I carried for years has damaged my knees. This is a personal goal to me so that why I have chosen to do this challenge!
I have chosen to run for Age Connects Morgannwg. As the effects of the pandemic have hit, charities have lost multiple streams of income and many are struggling to continue to offer their services. For Age Connects, this has been a double blow; their income has dropped at the very time their service users needed their support more than ever.
Like many of us I've struggled during the pandemic. I've been watching the huge efforts and sacrifices made by charity staff, volunteers, NHS staff, care and social staff and other key workers and I have nothing but admiration for them. I've been frustrated though that I have been unable to help in that effort, do this is my way of giving back. :)
All funds raised will go directly to Age Connects Morgannwg so that they can carry on doing what they do, at the time it is needed most.