GRANDMOTHER OF SIX TAKES ON MAMMOTH CHALLENGE IN SUPPORT OF FRIEND WITH TERMINAL CANCER
Valerie, 61, cycled 40km, open swam 2km, and hiked up England’s tallest mountain all in one day whilst battling various ailments such as chronic fatigue syndrome
Valerie Dixon, 61, from Greater Manchester, underwent a true feat of stamina in aid of St Ann’s Hospice in honour of her friend, Inger, who has stage four cancer.
Valerie’s challenge included a 40km cycle, a 2km open water swim in the Lake District, and a 15km hike up and down England’s tallest mountain, Scafell Pike, all on one of the hottest days of the year.
Valerie’s efforts are even more impressive when you take into account that when she was 40, she was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, she was quite poorly for about four or five years and is now better able to manage the syndrome. She also has an autoimmune disease.
So far, she has raised over £6,000 for the hospice following an astonishing fundraising campaign.
According to Valerie, when the time comes, Inger wants to be cared for at St Ann’s Hospice.
“She is just unbelievable,” Valerie said. “She never complains, she never moans, she’s just such a courageous lady.”
For Valerie, the challenge also provided an opportunity for her to “push herself”.
“Over the years, I have kept fit, but I always wondered if I could do something like this,” she said.
“I don’t know how I came up with the challenge that I ended up doing. I was never a natural cyclist, and I’ve always been a little bit afraid of water. I wanted to get over that.
“I’ve got a few injuries, and I’ve got to have a knee operation in October, so I just wanted to see if I could push myself,” she added.
Valerie had to undergo a lot of training to be able to undertake her challenge, as three bouts of pneumonia left her with scarred lungs.
“It wasn’t natural for me. I wasn’t someone who could just go off for a run without doing lots of training.”
Once she completed the challenge, Valerie said the feeling was “amazing”.
“I was elated. The things that I thought were going to be hard, such as the cycle, were good. I was very lucky. The cycle we set off at 5:30am which was a stunning day around Wast Water. The swim, I felt like I could swim forever; that was probably my strength. The hike was challenging because it was 31 degrees. I did it with my godson, who had leukaemia when he was younger, so it was a really good day for both of us,” she said.
Finally, following the challenge, Valerie, a grandmother of six, says it has given her newfound energy.
“When I’m with my grandchildren now, I feel like I have more energy, I don’t want to let that training go. Winters were always my dreaded time. I feel that this year, I won’t feel as much dread,” she said.
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