AMONG the 60,000 runners taking part in Sunday’s Great North Run is a woman from Reading with a rare autoimmune condition that causes muscle fatigue.
Katherine Sugar, 33, is hoping to raise £350 for the work of Muscular Dystrophy UK as part of its #TeamMDUK squad.
The 13.1 mile route will be a challenge for the athlete who was diagnosed with generalised Myasthenia gravis, a chronic condition, in 2016.
Living with Myasthenia gravis has had a huge impact on Katherine’s life, both physically and mentally. She suffers from chronic fatigue, muscular aches, and double vision, and has found it hard to adjust to managing the condition and being less active.
But this isn’t stopping her from wanting to raise funds for the charity’s research into treatments for rare, life-limiting muscle-wasting and weakening conditions that affect more than 110,000 people across the UK.
“Muscular Dystrophy UK covers a wide range of conditions, including myasthenia gravis, and I hope that by taking on this challenge I will not only raise awareness about these conditions but also generate funds to support much-needed research into new treatments and ultimately a cure,” she said.
Katherine is looking forward to running the Great North Run course and crossing the finish line.
“For the first time since 2016, I am feeling physically strong enough to take part in a half marathon. I’ve had to pull out of other events in the last few years when my body simply wasn’t able to do it and my condition was flaring up,” she said.
“My biggest fear is experiencing a relapse and not being able to complete the course. But with time and careful training, I am hoping this won’t be the case.
“I am the healthiest I have been since my diagnosis and my training is going slowly but surely, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed and I’m determined to get across the finish line.”
Aaron Fernandes, challenge events officer at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “The Great North Run is a huge event in the calendar, the route and the hair-raising atmosphere on the day make it a truly special occasion – and an exceptional achievement and experience for all who cross that finish line.
“We are grateful to Katherine for choosing to raise funds and awareness on behalf of Muscular Dystrophy UK, which will help us continue supporting and improving the lives of thousands of families living with rare muscle-wasting conditions.
“We wish Katherine and all our other Great North Run participants the very best of luck with this challenge – and we’ll be supporting every step of the way.”
To support Katherine, log on to her fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Katherine-Sugar1
For more details on the charity’s work, log on to: musculardystrophyuk.org or call its free helpline on 0800 652 6352 between 10am and 2pm Monday to Thursday.
