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Heather’s chosen charity was inspired by her 34 year old son’s battle with eczema.
“Alan’s eczema began at just four months old. I had never heard of the condition before so was plunged in at the deep end with no idea how to deal with it or what to expect over time in terms of diagnosis, treatment and the physical and emotional problems that would arise.
“While it is now much improved, it originally started on his face and had the appearance of a scald or burn – very raw, sore and unrelenting – and then spread to behind his knees, in his elbow creases and along his fingers. Apart from finding, and adhering to, a suitable treatment regime – through the help of Dr Roberts – our main challenges were to ensure that he was not sidelined or ridiculed because of his appearance and the restrictions that tight, sore skin placed on him.
“Fortunately, Alan was very determined to achieve and trusted implicitly that we were doing our very best for him. We layered him in Vaseline to ensure that he didn’t miss out on swimming lessons and encouraged him to play the keyboard, which not only kept his fingers supple but also was a great distraction from scratching.
“I think that, as a result of his eczema, Alan has grown into a very caring, sensitive individual. He is happily married with a great zest for life, in particular the theatre and computing.
“I first heard about the NES about four months ago. I was talking to some people at a campsite in Haltwhistle who were raising money for a charity that supported others with their son’s condition and it got me wondering whether there was a similar organisation for those with eczema, so I looked on the internet and found you! I just wish I had known about the Society when Alan was younger as then I would not have felt so isolated and useless and would have valued the vital support that the organisation provides.
“The NES will be the recipient of all the funds raised from the walk and my target is to raise at least £5,000. I also hope to raise awareness of this debilitating condition so that others are able to find comfort from the support of the Society and fellow sufferers. Alan is a very good example of triumph over adversity and I want to share our story.
“I am greatly looking forward to the freedom that walking gives you and the wonderful opportunity to experience the UK’s varied architectural styles and magnificent countryside. Walking recharges my batteries and gives me a tremendous feeling of wellbeing, fulfilment and contentment so even rain, sore feet and tiredness won’t dampen my enthusiasm!
“Our closest family and friends from across the UK and Europe will be joining us at different stages to walk and support. Many are also currently knitting squares to turn into blankets to raise further money for the Society and the aim is to knit 1,000 squares, one for each mile of my journey. Their unending love, encouragement and interest means the walk has taken on a life of its own and I am particularly indebted to my husband Stewart whose unswerving support has made this whole adventure possible.”
To help Heather take a step closer to her fundraising target visit http://www.justgiving.com/Heather-McLoone and, if you’d like to join her for part of the route, email her at mcloone@talktalk.net for details.
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