Kellie channels efforts in charity direction - 25/01/07
A Vale of Glamorgan LifeStyle Health and Fitness member has
successfully undertaken an impressive "English Channel" challenge
in support of charity.
And, what makes the 35km indoor rowing feat of Kellie Redman
even more remarkable, is that she suffers from multiple
sclerosis.
Over a two-week period, Kellie, from Colwinston, rowed the
distance between Dover and Calais at Cowbridge Leisure Centre and
raised around £800 from a range of sponsors.
As a thank you for the support and assistance which Kellie has
received over the past year, the money will go to the Swansea-based
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Centre which is run by 18 volunteers and
has a Lottery-funded physiotherapist.
A progressive illness with no known cure, MS affects individuals
differently and sufferers are either in relapse or remission, and
medication and alternative therapies such as oxygen chambers can
help alleviate pain.
Describing her "MS rollercoaster ride," Kellie was left
temporarily wheelchair bound some four years ago and now battles to
get around without the aid of a walking stick.
Determined to help other sufferers and raise money for
treatments, Kellie will talk openly about her condition, believing
that she can make a difference.
As training is one of her passions, Kellie discussed fundraising
options with LifeStyle co-ordinator Aranka Pratt, who suggested
rowing – a cardio vascular option given Kellie's medical condition
and fitness ability.
Kellie, who triumphantly smashed the set target, thanked the
leisure centre and Lifestyle staff for their support. “Everyone
involved has been wonderful," she said. "There really is a ‘family
feel’ about being a member. I’ve been coming to the centre for
about seven years and the experience has made me mentally stronger.
I would also like to take the opportunity to thank friends and
family who are consistently wonderful."
Grateful for the support of leisure centre customers, staff and
other groups and individuals, Kellie explained that around 70% of
MS users reported improved healths after hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Kellie herself reports feeling wonderful after her weekly visits to
the centre, having been able to drop some of her medication.
Costing £900 a week to run, the Swansea centre relies wholly on
public support, and chairman Alan Demock expressed his delight at
Kellie's efforts and the generosity of the Vale community. “Kellie
hasn’t been coming to us for long, but, because of the difference
our therapy has made to her life, she kindly wanted to give
something back," he said. "We thank everyone involved. We’d be
equally delighted to hear from anyone who might be able to help us
in any way.”
Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism Cllr Gwyn John said: “The
rowing challenge has shown great courage and strength of character
by Kellie and has highlighted the generosity of Vale people. I
understand the leisure centre sponsors alone contributed about £350
to Kellie’s total. This really is an inspirational story."
To find out more about LifeStyle Health and Fitness, telephone
(01446) 732457 or log on to www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.
For more information on the Swansea centre, or to make a donation
in support of Kellie’s efforts, telephone 01792 701342.