Turns out this is not the blog post that I had intended to write this month! I’ll revisit that post at a later date.
I’m really excited to have made contact with Alison from the Klinefelter’s Syndrome Association and it looks as though I’m going to be getting involved & helping with the charity – using my skills from an online marketing perspective to help them fulfill a shared goal – awareness!
I’ve talked a lot recently about undertaking a challenge to raise awareness – started out with doing a bike ride and a gaming marathon. For both of the plans I only had support from a couple of people so we didn’t end up doing either of these – thanks to you if you did sign-up though, it’s certainly appreciated!
I was out for a few beers about two weeks ago when a friend of mine asked me if I’d like to join her to undertake a 12 mile obstacle course – asking for more details I slowly started to realise that this is no ordinary obstacle course – only the worlds toughest obstacle course devised by special forces operatives. This is the description that you can read on their website:
“Tough Mudder events are hardcore 12 mile-long obstacle courses designed by the Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. With the most innovative courses and 1,000,000 inspiring participants worldwide to date, Tough Mudder is the premier adventure challenge series in the world.”
I agreed to take part in the challenge and to prove my willingness I tweeted to 17 thousand followers. – no backing out now!
You are probably scratching your head reading this and wondering why I have decided to do this? Or you are looking at the picture above and imagining me rolling down the hill covered in glorious MUD! Well I’ve been promised a bright orange headband, a t-shirt and a pint of strongbow if I make it to the end after enduring fire, freezing cold water and the chance of getting my wee balls charged with 10,000 volts of electricity – that’s if they survived the arctic enema challenge!
I’m doing this as part of a team of co-workers and mutual acquaintances to raise awareness for Klinefelter’s Syndrome and also get some funds together for the only UK charity dedicated to supporting people diagnosed with this condition. If you have been following the blog since I started you are aware of what the Syndrome is and what I have had to endure throughout finding out about it on both a physical and mental level. If you are not aware and this is the first time you’ve come across the blog then best to check out my video here (over 25,000 views now!) that will give you an overview of what Klinefelter’s Syndrome is and what it is like living with it day to day.
It’s really easy to get boiled down in the negatives associated with the condition but I am determined to show others that you cannot let obstacles get in the way of you enjoying your life – and what better way than getting past 22 obstacles over 12 miles somewhere deep in the valleys of Wales!
If you would like to get involved then the team (me, David McDonagh, Jacqui Ashworth, Matt Cuttle & Sarah Baldwin) would really welcome your support either by donating or sharing this story with your family and friends. The aim here is simple – to raise the profile of the condition with the medical profession, other public and private bodies and the general public so that all understand its implications, not only for the individual affected, but also for all those with whom they have contact during their lives! Do something amazing and sponsor/share on this page: http://bit.ly/pro47xxy
You have got this far therefore would like to take part in our team? To join us just go to the Tough Mudder website and sign-up for the event that is taking place on September 21st 2013 – the team name to join is Project47XXY – drop me an email on info@47xxy.me if you do sign-up.
Do enjoy the motivational video:
I’m looking forward to what happens at 24mins 47secs most!