Charity

Marion Pidgeon's Sahara Trek Page

Hullo, I really do appreciate your support and thank you for visiting my page. Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor me and donations will be quickly processed and passed to charities. Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity's behalf where the donor is eligible for this. All your donations will be most gratefully received!

I suffer from MEN Type 1 and have had ¾ of my pancreas removed, all my parathyroids, and I have tumours on the pituitary gland and adrenal glands. I also suffer from bouts of nausea and diarrhoea, which could make the lack of toilet facilities in the Sahara a problem, but I can always blame it on a passing camel!

Through careful monitoring and good quality medical care, and the wonderful support of the volunteers at AMEND, I am able to lead a relatively normal life. I am now a telebuddy for the organisation supporting patients with similar conditions. This is a genetic condition with a dominant gene which means that patient’s family members run the risk of inheriting the syndrome. Because the disorder is extremely rare, it is not going to attract the attention of the large drug companies, and it is not going to receive large amounts of government funding. It is only going to be able to invest in research into the condition through the fundraising of its members and interested third parties.

I hold the British Wheel of Yoga teaching diploma and have been teaching yoga for nearly 20 years. I also work with a psychologist helping clients with symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. In both activities I teach breathing techniques and relaxation methods. I have a GNVQ in Aromatherapy and a Level 3 qualification in Indian head massage. I am also interested in all aspects of healing, and self-help. I believe that a positive mind encourages a healthy body.

I know that a positive frame of mind and a healthy lifestyle have certainly helped me to combat and cope with this illness. We have to use the talents we are given and to try and raise awareness of this condition we are embarking on this Sahara Trek.

To raise funds for this event I have generated a Relaxation CD and to date have sold over 40 copies at £9.99 each. If you would like to receive a copy please email your address details to maldonyoga@yahoo.co.uk and contribute at least £9.99 to this site; I will then send you a CD by return of post.

Please give generously to enable us to raise funds for research into this condition, so that future generations need not suffer in the same way.

Marion

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