A MOTHER who suffers from a genetic condition that leaves her in near constant pain has teamed up with an international transplant champion to take on a charity swim.
Katie Eliot said she is determined to achieve a great feat in her life and has set her sights on the Great North Swim.
The 34-year-old mother of two from Crook, County Durham, was diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis (TS) when she was 18, a genetic condition which sees tumours grow through her body.
She also lives with fibromyalgia, an illness that leaves her in almost constant pain and can make even simple actions an ordeal.
On Saturday, June 15, Ms Eliot will take on the two-mile swim in Lake Windermere where she will be accompanied by Martin Graham, who also has TS.
Mr Graham from West Allotment in Newcastle, won two golds and a silver in the pool at last year’s World Transplant Games in South Africa having had a kidney transplant due to the condition.
Ms Eliot said: “The organisers of the Great North Swim said I would be fine to take part only if I had someone to accompany, I thought who better than a gold-winning swimmer.”
The pair will complete the swim to raise money for the Tuberous Sclerosis Association, a charity which runs a support group where the pair met.
Ms Eliot underwent major surgery in 2007 where part of her left leg bone was moved to her chest.
She said: “While I was recovering I decided I wanted to do something meaningful and worthwhile, I wanted an achievement I could look back on and be proud of.
“I could not run like other people do but I thought I could get away with swimming.”
She has now started her training but knows she will be suffering for days after the race.
She said: “I will be in agony but I know it will have been worth it.
“I’m nervous about how my body will react to the cold of the water but I am confident I can do it.”
Her efforts are also inspiring her friends and she has founded the TS Terminators to support other charity activities.
One of the Terminators, Kelvin Kirkup, is planning to take part in the Wiggle Dragon Ride, a gruelling cycle event in Wales.
For more information or to sponsor Ms Eliot and Mr Graham, visit justgiving.com/TSA-Greatswim14
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here