After organ failure and sight loss #walk1000miles gave 40-year-old Tanya Dyer her zest for life back – and the chance to help the hospital that saved her.
‘I was diagnosed young with an autoimmune disease, but it never caused me any issues until my thirties. Then I started falling unconscious, particularly worrying for my two young daughters who often found me this way. It went on to cause severe sight loss and some vital organs to fail. I needed dialysis to keep me alive for four years. I felt so low. I’d lost my eyesight, my job, my driving licence – all my independence.
‘Then I got the call to say they’d found a match for the two organs I needed transplanting. After surgery I couldn’t walk at all, and it took me almost a year to recover. But during that time we decided to rescue a dog and do #walk1000miles. Best things we ever did. The dog rescued me as much as we rescued him – and through the challenge so far we’ve raised £827 for Addenbrooke’s. The challenge has given me confidence to go out alone more – something I struggled with when I lost my eyesight.
‘I now enjoy the freedom of the countryside and walking helps me forget worry and to appreciate what I have right now! Even on your darkest days there’s something to be thankful for. If you want to do it, but don’t feel you can, just try doing it at your own pace. You’ll be surprised.’
