A LUNDWOOD woman is aiming to walk 100 miles this month to raise funds for The Migraine Trust - a condition she has been living with for a number of years.
Claire Smith, 33, lives with chronic migraine - which means she experiences ‘sharp, stabbing, throbbing head pain, achy limbs, sensitivity to light and sound, confusion and fatigue’ on at least 15 days per month.
She said: “Part of the motivation of this challenge is to spread awareness of an illness which is so common but has so little research or answers.
“Even though it seems that I have achieved quite a lot in my life - which I am proud of - chronic migraine has made me miss out on a lot of things.”
Claire’s own experience of chronic migraine, and the hope that has come with a recent referral to a specialist, has spurred her on to raise funds and awareness of the condition, in the hope it will help others.
“It has taken me over 15 years to get here, I wouldn’t want others to have a similar experience,” she added.
“This will be a difficult challenge for me with the unpredictability of my migraines but also, I am not necessarily the fittest person either.
“I would like to prove to myself that I can do this as I do enjoy walking but also the thing that will keep me going is that I am raising money for a cause which will hopefully help other people like me.
“For so many years I have felt that migraine controlled me and now I am attempting to take some of that control back.”
To donate to Claire’s fundraiser, follow the link on the Barnsley Chronicle website.
