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“I can't believe that a condition so debilitating is hardly talked about,” says Laura, whose father lives with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). “When my dad first got diagnosed, even doctors knew nothing about it. So many people who I talk to about my Dad have never heard of it.”
With no known cure for CRPS and a lack of support, Laura says, “It’s heartbreaking how it can turn a person's life, and their family's lives, upside down.”
Laura set out to raise some much-needed awareness for CRPS and Burning Nights CRPS Support after her dad introduced her to the charity. She says: “The more people talk about it, the more research will be done, and hopefully, one day, some real treatment that will help!”
To get people talking, Laura started with a small fundraiser, then decided to take on a bigger challenge – one only about 1% of the global population completes in their lifetime: a marathon.
To prepare for the 26.2-mile run, Laura trained through the cold weather. Come rain or shine – and even snow at one point – she went out running. "Which is when I realised I should have worn waterproof mascara!" she says. By April, Laura had conquered the TCS London Marathon and raised a staggering £2,011 for Burning Nights CRPS Support.
Laura shares how she reached such an impactful number for the charity, saying, “In the run-up to the London Marathon, I raised a lot of awareness through social media and at the gym where I work. This is where most of my donations came from.
“I also posted a CRPS awareness sheet with my fundraising link through the doors of all of my neighbours on my street and held a hamper raffle at work. I've had donations from friends, family, work colleagues, neighbours, friends of my family… even people who I don't know that live with CRPS, which is amazing.”
When speaking with these generous donors, Laura explained that the funds help people living with chronic pain and their carers.
“My dad has been fortunate to have family to support him through this, but that’s not the case for everyone, and some people even take their own life because of this horrific condition. Burning Nights CRPS Support are there for people to reach out to.”
“To be honest, everything worked well.”
“The power of social media is amazing for this. Just spread the word, tell people why you are doing what you are doing and what it means to you,” she says.
After fundraising for Burning Nights CRPS, Laura says she feels “a massive sense of accomplishment that I have spread the word, and that so many people that know me or my family now know what CRPS is, and people were touched by our story.”
She says the charity was “hugely supportive” on her fundraising journey. “The encouragement and number of ‘check-ins’ I had in the run-up to the London marathon made me feel like I was really helping and doing something worthwhile.” Adding “If you are like this with your fundraisers, then those living with CRPS must really feel seen and heard by you guys.”
“Most definitely! Maybe not a marathon though.... I can tick that one off now! It was definitely a challenge.” Taking part in the run that broke the Guinness World Records for the largest number of finishers in a marathon (59,830 people) is certainly a challenge Laura can feel proud of.
The biggest takeaway Laura wants people to know is “what CRPS is and how it affects people. That if there are people suffering, it's not 'the end', and that there is support.”
Thank you so much, Laura, for running the London Marathon and fundraising for our charity.
Feeling inspired and want to support the mission? Check out our upcoming events page or organise your own fundraiser with our free fundraising pack. Be sure to keep us in the loop so we can cheer you on!
If you're thinking of ending your life and are in crisis, please tell someone.
A Samaritan is available to talk anytime on 116 123.
For those under 25, text SHOUT to 85258.
Worldwide Crisis Support Helplines
Northern Ireland: 0808 808 8000
USA: 988
Canada: 988
Australia: 13 11 14
France: 01 45 39 40 00
Germany: 0800 111 0 111
New Zealand: 1737
Netherlands: 0900 0767
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