Chichester Woman runs 43.7km for Migraine Trust
A Chichester woman ran a total of 43.7km in the last month in aid of the Migraine Trust.
Lorren Mearns, 28, who lives with migraines herself and knows first hand the impact they can have on people’s lives, achieved the feat to raise awareness of the condition and funds for the charity.
Lorren said: “I chose to run every day in September because I am not by any means a natural runner.
“In reality, this wasn’t even a running challenge as much as it was an ‘everyday’ challenge.”
Migraines are a long-term health condition affecting 10million people in the UK, in which it is estimated to cause 190,000 attacks a day.
The financial burden of migraine on the UK economy is conservatively estimated at £3.42billion per year.
People who suffer from migraine attacks often have symptoms such as severe headaches, problems with sight such as seeing flashing lights, being very sensitive to light, sounds and smells, fatigue, feeling sick and being sick.
This can dramatically diminish ones capability to function normally and can impair all aspects of people’s
lives.
The Migraine Trust is the only UK migraine charity that provides information and support, campaigns for awareness and change and funds and promotes research.
Since its founding in 1965, it has funded more than 130 medical research projects that have improved understanding of migraines.
Lorren stated her belief that more needs to be done to raise awareness of migraines and the gravity of the condition.
She added: “I always consider myself one of the
lucky ones, because I was taken seriously the moment I went to see my GP, and my employers have always taken my diagnosis seriously and supported me in every way they can. I know a lot of people’s experience with migraine diagnosis, treatment and support hasn’t been as easy as mine, and it’s shocking that I even feel a need to consider myself lucky.”
“These things are basic, and should be universal. This is why I support the Migraine Trust and all the work they do.”
Rob Music, chief executive of the Migraine Trust thanked Lorren for her fantastic efforts. He said: “We are in awe and so grateful to Lorren for taking on the challenge of running every day of September to help people affected by migraine. Lorren knows herself just how debilitating migraine can be and she’s a true inspiration for running to help others with the condition.”
“Not only has Lorren raised crucial funds that will help support our vital work and those affected by migraine, she’s also raised awareness of this often misunderstood brain disease. We thank Lorren for her generous support and hope she’s having a good rest!”
Of the impact she has seen her already from her daily runs, Lorren said: “I had so many people contact me to talk about migraine, running and fitness and the Migraine Trust. So many people didn’t know the Migraine Trust existed, and I’ve been so proud to tell people about the organisation, what they do, and why it’s relevant to me.
“A lot of people don’t realise how prevalent and debilitating migraine is, and I’m glad to have helped raise a bit more awareness of the condition and the charity this month.”
The Migraine Trust provide evidence-based information and support – via its website and its information and advocacy helplines – on all aspects of migraines and help for people with migraines experiencing difficulties at work, in education, or in accessing healthcare services.
To learn more about the latest in migraine research and treatment, or the support it provides, either call 0808 802 0060 or visit the website at migrainetrust.org
To donate, visit Lorren’s fundraising page at:www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ lorren-mearns-migraine-run