News

Milford Haven: Natalie’s brave 5,000 mile cycle along the British coast

Published

6 years ago

March 21, 2018

A FIVE THOUSAND mile cycle around the coast of Britain in just 91 short days would be a challenge for even the fittest of individuals. but for 29-year-old Natalie Wilson from Berkshire, it’s an even tougher challenge.

She suffers from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, or EDS, a group of thirteen individual genetic conditions which affect the body’s connective tissues, causing pain and fatigue.

Having set off from her home town of Wokingham on February 24, Natalie cycled to Brighton, along the south coast, south west and into Wales.

5000 miles of coast, in only 91 days, and completely self supported.

On the 27 day of her extraordinary journey, the brave charity volunteer is in Milford Haven, braving the cold spring weather to bring awareness of her rare condition to our part of Wales, before she heads up north towards Aberystwyth.

Speaking to The Herald in Herbranston on Wednesday (Mar 21), Natalie, who spent the whole of January in hospital, said that the main reason for this extremely tough challenge was to raise awareness for people with EDS and other unseen disabilities, whatever kind.

“I want to tell people that it is still possible to do things, and this coast line is beautiful.”

Explaining that her tissue wasting syndrome has no treatment, she said that her cycle would also ‘help build up muscles’.

“As I cycle around the coast I am inviting people to come and join me, and ride along – even if you are in a wheelchair!

“I chose the name Zebra because I wanted to make people think that not everything is obvious. Something shaped like a horse, and something which sounds like a horse when it gallops is not necessarily a horse.

“When I first became unwell, if doctors had understood that I had EDS then they would have treatment me differently.”

Residents of Herbranston donated supplies to help Natalie on her way, and Mrs Absolon, landlady of the Taberna Inn, donated a free meal to Natalie to ensure she was well fed for the next leg of her journey.

Natalie told The Herald ‘the people here have been amazing’ as she hugged locals who had donated supplies.

Asked about the challenge of riding 5000 miles around Britain’s rugged coast, Natalie said: “This challenge is really tough, my body hurts, my leg muscles burn more than they have ever done before. I have battled all of the elements that have been thrown at me.

“I spend the majority of the time cold unless I am cycling up a steep gradient. I am tired from spending so many hours on my trike outdoors because I am slow and the miles are taking longer than expected. When I finish cycling for the day I spend hours planning, reading comments, writing my blog and trying to raise publicity.

“I haven’t been resting apart from the time I have spent asleep. As painful as all of this is, It is nothing compared to the pain I endured before and at the beginning of the diagnosis of the conditions I have. Nothing compared to the constant 8/10 headache I had for three years, and the frequent joint dislocation.”

She added: “”I am writing a daily blog, and people can follow me on my website – zebraonabike.co.uk”

You can donate to Natalie’s cause here.

About EDS

The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of thirteen individual genetic conditions, all of which affect the body’s connective tissue. Connective tissue lies between other tissues and organs, keeping these separate whilst connecting them, holding everything in place and providing support, like the mortar between bricks. In EDS, a gene mutation causes a certain kind of connective tissue – the kind will depend on the type of EDS but usually a form of collagen – to be fragile and stretchy.

This stretchiness can sometimes be seen in the skin of someone with EDS; individuals with the condition may also be able to extend their joints further than is usual – this is known as being hypermobile, bendy or double-jointed. As collagen is present throughout the body, people with EDS tend to experience a broad range of symptoms, most of them less visible than the skin and joint differences.

These are complex syndromes affecting many systems of the body at once, despite this EDS is often an invisible disability. Symptoms commonly include, but are not limited to, long-term pain, chronic fatigue, dizziness, palpitations and digestive disorders. Such problems and their severity vary considerably from person to person, even in the same type of EDS and within the same family.

Crime

Plea hearing for man accused of assault and strangulation

Published

1 min ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST man is appearing at Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, April 26) charged with assaulting and strangling a woman

Oliver Torkington, 38, of Pembroke Road, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with two offences last month, and is in Swansea Crown Court today to make his plea, after the local court declined jurisdiction.

Torkington is alleged to have assaulted a woman in St Clears on March 23 and caused her actual bodily harm.

He is also accused of strangling her.

The case came before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on March 25 and Torkington has been remanded in custody since then.

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Community

Suspected explosive device found on Ceredigion beach

Published

8 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Luke Sinclair

LOCAL coastguard teams and the Tewkesbury-based bomb squad were called out in the early hours after a suspected explosive device was discovered on Llanrhystud beach in Ceredigion.

Coastguard teams from New Quay and Cardigan responded to a report of suspected washed-up ordnance at 3.50am this morning, April 26th. The Army Bomb Disposal Team, based in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, arrived shortly thereafter, covering a journey of over 110 miles.

A statement from the New Quay Coastguard clarified the situation: “Following an assessment by the Army Bomb Disposal Team, it was determined that the item was not ordnance. This report was made with good intent, and fortunately, there was no risk to the public.”

The Coastguard team also issued advice to the public encountering suspected ordnance on beaches: “Always be cautious of objects you find on our shores. Our beaches are steeped in history, and remnants from the past can still wash up today. If you come across something unusual in size or shape, particularly if it appears rusty, it could be unexploded ordnance.”

The statement continued, detailing the correct response to such discoveries: “If you find something on the beach that you suspect might be unexploded ordnance, do not touch or move it. Instead, call 999 and request the Coastguard’s assistance. We will take immediate action with relevant authorities to ensure everyone’s safety and the proper disposal of the item.”

(Pic Stock Image)

Farming

E-Tickets now on sale for Pembrokeshire County Show 2024

Published

11 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

E-TICKETS are now on sale for this summer’s Pembrokeshire County Show, the largest county agricultural show in Wales. Preparations are coming together well for what is set to be a fantastic two days of livestock, competitions, attractions and much more.

General entry tickets for the show, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, 14 & 15 August, are now available at an ‘early birds’ rate online from the website. Ticket prices have had to increase slightly to cover costs but still remain below 2019 charges. The early bird rate for Adults is £15, children £8 (5-16 years), Carers as well as children four years and under are free. Please visit: www.pembsshow.org to purchase your e-tickets.

Adam Thorne, President of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society said, “At the event in August visitors will be able to tickle their tastebuds in the Castell Howell Food Hall, marvel at the livestock classes, enjoy watching the dog agility, be wowed by the showjumping, explore the horticulture, arts and crafts entries.

Shop ‘til they drop in the Country Market area, which will showcase over 40 quality local and award winning product and craft stalls and much more.”

Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society Membership packages are also available and these include admission to the Show and the Members’ Area. Purchasing membership of the society will support its aim to promote, advance and improve agriculture, horticulture and rural crafts and skills by the improvement of livestock and the demonstration and showing of livestock, machinery, crafts, products, methods and processes connected with agriculture and agricultural education in particular by the holding of an annual show. Full details are available on the website: Become A Member | Pembrokeshire County Show | Pembs Agricultural Society (pembsshow.org)

Putting together this event is hard work and requires an enormous effort by the staff, volunteers and trustees of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society. The Society is indebted to so many for their commitment and support in helping host the event.

A special mention must go to the county show sponsors. Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society is proud to have many local, regular, sponsors who make the event possible.

Sponsorship Director, Richard Cole, said, “Sponsorship and Pembrokeshire County Show have been a successful combination for the last 45 years. Sponsors have enjoyed promoting their businesses through the varied mediums of banners, announcements, show rings, buildings, equine and livestock classes and championships over the years. It isn’t too late. If you’d like to discuss becoming a corporate sponsor please complete the form on our website: www.pembsshow.org.”