A MUM-OF-TWO has described the remarkable story of how she overcame traumatic life changing surgery to complete two Ultramarathons and walk three quarters of the South Downs National Park.
Vicki Harrison, from Midhurst, was diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, affecting the connective tissue that provides support to skin, tendons, ligaments and bones.
Having also been diagnosed with Raynaud’s disease, a condition where you blood stops flowing correctly to your fingers and toes, the effects of these starting to take its toll on Vicki’s physical and mental health.
However just 14 months later, she has altogether raised more than £3,000 for charities such as Dementia UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Prostate Cancer Research — agreeing to walk 300 miles in November — and is currently fundraising for Rotherlea Care Home in Petworth.
Following the loss of both grandparents and needing to learn to walk again, Vicki described those moments as “the lowest ebb in my life”.
Just 14 months later, she has since gone through a journey of improved inner strength, self-belief and confidence, and has written a new book hoping to inspire others to follow in her footsteps and embrace nature.
The message to readers of her book ‘Coat On Coat Off Wet Feet’ is to get outdoors and experience nature first hand.
She said: "All it takes is just five minutes a day. It is so vital and precious for our mental health and if we can break that barrier of making excuses each day, it will do you the world of good.
"You never know when you will lose the ability to take things such as walking for granted, because we all take things for granted in life.”
Vicki highlighted the impact that the national park has had on her recovery.
She said: “The South Downs played a vital impact in helping me recover without a doubt. I found the more walking I did the more I wanted to do. It gave me the power to walk even further. It was an incredible part of my whole recovery.
"My rescue dog Samo joins me on 90 per cent of my walks, and he is probably the fittest dog in the area. He has been my absolute soul mate, we have bonded so much since we adopted him seven years ago. We make a wonderful team.”
The small business owner went on to explain what encouraged her to become an author.
She said: “Two weeks before I was set to complete my first Ultramarathon, my Grandad became severely unwell. One of the hardest moments for me was leaving my Grandad to complete the 50km marathon the next day.
"After 42km I had to drag myself over the finish line so I could drive back to be with him. I gave him my medal which has been the most rewarding moment of my recovery to this day. He passed away just three days later, and I remember him on every walk that I do.
"All my feelings had been bottled up and the book has been a great opportunity for me to tell my story while also being able to help others.”
Not content with her incredible achievements so far, Vicki plans to finish walking the entirety of the South Downs, working on her strength and learning more about her condition along the way.
Her book — which has sold over 60 copies since its release in early July — is available to buy on Amazon. Alternatively, you can read more about Vicki’s story on her website coatoncoatoffwetfeet.uk.
This story was written by Matthew Cook.
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