Page 18 - Ceufad Autumn 2022

“THIS WAS A MENTAL Pencelli); whatever it was we were inspired. We ABOUT PSP PSP occurs when brain cells
somehow sped up and completed the last section
CHALLENGE AS MUCH faster than we'd ever paddled, gaining a course in certain parts of the brain are damaged as
a result of a build-up of a protein called tau.
AS ANYTHING ELSE, A record on Strava. At the finish we were met by Tau occurs naturally in the brain and is usually
the Brecon Paddlers who provided chocolate
broken down before it reaches high levels. In
SIMPLE CASE OF MIND brownies and hugs whilst mum handed out tea people with PSP, it isn't broken down properly
and bacon sandwiches.
This was a mental challenge as much as
OVER MATTER AND anything else, a simple case of mind over matter and forms harmful clumps in brain cells.
Symptoms:
IGNORING PERSONAL and ignoring personal physical discomfort. For » Problems with balance and mobility,
including frequent falls
dad this has been an ongoing battle for around
PHYSICAL DISCOMFORT. five years now. A level 4 canoe instructor and ex » Changes in behaviour, such as irritability or
apathy (lack of interest)
member of Brecon Mountain Rescue team he is
FOR DAD THIS HAS now wheelchair bound, completely dependent » Muscle stiffness
on other for all his needs. If you ask him what » An inability to control eye and eyelid
BEEN AN ONGOING he thinks of us completing this challenge, you’ll movement, including focusing on specific
objects or looking up or down at something
BATTLE FOR AROUND get a thumbs up and a smile that makes it all » Slow, quiet or slurred speech
worthwhile.
Our supporters have donated just over £2000
FIVE YEARS NOW.” for this good cause and we are so very proud » Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
» Slowness of thought and some memory
problems
to have raised awareness of this debilitating For more info visit: www.pspassociation.org.uk
condition. A special word of thanks must
go to the Canal and River Trust for giving us
permission to complete this challenge on the
waterway. Also, to the support crew, Andy and MAKE A DONATION through the
Steve, Aimee and Dave and all our friends that Paddle for Dave JustGiving page: www.
met us on the way. justgiving.com/fundraising/catherine-gilbert7

18 | CEUFAD