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.

Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

Published

4 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

Published

4 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

5 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.