Exertion Challenges / fundraising etc.

[Arcadian]

I've got the chance to participate with a small group of fundraisers trying to ascend the equivalent of the height of Everest (8800 metres / 39x ascents of 52 floors) up the stairwell of a London skyscraper in December...
It is for a smaller charity focussed on funding and providing MND quality of life assistive aids, respite care and facilitating positive experiences.

Apart from practicalities of doing it from a health perspective, any other considerations and sensitivities?
(Bluntly, I'm doing this whilst I feel I still can, but acutely aware of the mobility / ability restrictions of others further along their MND journey - fundraising will involve publicity and I'm mindful of how things impact people).

2 of us participating have MND.

[Ellie]

Kudos to you!

Forgive me for stating the obvious, Dan, but stairs are a lot more demanding than slopes or flat ground... Long before I had noticeable walking issues, I had some trouble descending stairs but I note you only mention "ascents": does that imply you're descending on a lift or am I an utter pedant 🙄

Over what timeframe is the challenge taking place and are you practising? xx

[Arcadian]

yes, fortunately descent is in a lift.
I have about 18 hours flexible and I'm in the south of England that weekend for other more relaxing social stuff...

[Ellie]

I have about 18 hours flexible and I'm in the south of England that weekend for other more relaxing social stuff...

As long as you remember to change out of the 6" thigh-high red boots for the stair climbing after your "relaxing social stuff" 😉😉

[JamesW]

🤣🤣🤣

[JamesW]

Good luck mate 👍

[Piglet]

Arcadian yes good luck, enjoy but take care😀 xx

[shelly21]

Arcadian start stretching your ankles now. Stand on a step and let your ankles drop. Also a great calfs stretch. Hold a stretch for at least 20 seconds.
same for your knees and thighs. Range of movement excercises really help.

Good luck. Looking forward to seeing a few victory pictures 💪💪💪

[Heather R]

Arcadian you brave adventurous man, good luck and take care of yourself x

[Arcadian]

Arcadian start stretching your ankles now...

Training underway - conveniently a new multi-storey car park has opened near me too.

[Ellie]

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Arcadian Blimey, nothing wrong with your balance, is there 😋

[Arcadian]

Ellie I think my phone flips the selfie images.
Left ankle is the weaker one (I wobble and fall to the side if I close my eyes - you can feel a lot of small compensating movements compared to the right ankle).
I do a lot of sports / ballet focussed joint extension physiotherapy and massage (costs a bit each month, but seems to keep things going for now and seems to give a couple of days less stiffness and aches after each session).

Ironically holding my phone or a book is the noticeable pain & strain activity

[Artie]

That sounds like an amazing challenge Arcadian - good luck!

[Christopher]

Um don't really know what to say

[Arcadian]

I don't use words like 'battle' or 'fight' for chronic and incurable illness.

I've 'masked' / coped and sometimes held back with things, with one illness for about 20 years. Every month I can feel something new and limiting with MND, but for now a little slower than expected - so whilst I can (as it's mostly my arms / upper body weakened), I'm going to try something that is both a personal challenge, as well as raising awareness and fundraising for a MND 'quality of life' charity cause...

The Everest equivalent event I'll participate in will be for the charity Challenging MND (no. 1182607) - they have collaborated with The MNDA:-

https://www.mndassociation.org/challenging-mnd-joins-forces-with-the-mnd-association-to-boost-quality-of-life-for-people-with-mnd/