 Teresa is a Healthcare Professional and is currently studying her level 3 NVQ with us at Wales England Care Ltd and we really wanted to share her fantastic story with you. She decided to embark on a physical challenge of cycling and walking the length of the Appalachian trail which is a hiking trail in the Eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. She will be raising money for Mind Charity to help support people who have been impacted by the pandemic. We caught up with Teresa to find out more and ask her a few questions. Tell us a bit about the challenge you’re doing for charity and why you decided to do it? Well, I needed to lose weight (4 stone) at the start of the year, so I started seeing a weight consultant, but when lockdown struck, I couldn’t see her anymore. So, I had to think of a new way to motivate myself to lose weight. I saw an NHS Facebook advert which was promoting for people to do what they could in a month, and you’d receive a medal. So, I began that challenge, by venturing back on to my exercise bike that I hadn’t been on in years and cycling throughout the month. I completed that and then moved on to doing the couch to 5k challenge. I completed that too! I started to think this is ridiculous, I really should be doing something for charity. Especially when I felt my life hadn’t changed in comparison to everyone else’s. I was still able to go to work, the only difference is I had to wear PPE. I was fortunate enough to still be able to pay my mortgage and my bills when I know so many other people may not be able to. I began searching for challenges, and me being me, I wanted to find a slightly unusual and unique one. That’s where I came across the Appalachian Trail which I decided was the perfect challenge for me. I loved that it was in mountain ranges and I love the outdoors. You usually complete the 1,968 in 18 months, but I decided to set myself the challenge to cycle and walk the length of it in just 12month! When it came to choosing a charity, I decided to choose Mind to help support everyone who may be struggling with their mental health because of the pandemic. Mental health support right now is crucial and is why I want to support them right now. What have you completed so far? I’ve completed 300 miles so far and have 1668 miles to go! I started on 11/10/20 and my finishing target date is 10/11/21. Since the start of lockdown I’ve lost the 4 stone I intended and now I’m maintaining the weight off! You’re planning on cycling on your exercise bike at home and walking to complete your challenge. Do you have a walking buddy? Yes I do! It’s my 7 year old rescue dog, Riley. We rescued him 6 years ago and he’s been living with us ever since. Walking him can be quite a challenge as he is still quite frightened of unexpected sounds or sights. So, my usual walk would normally take no time at all but with Riley, it’s a challenge within itself and can take a lot longer. It’s a great additional challenge though, because I get to witness how far he’s come on from where he was when we first got him! Do you have a JustGiving page where people can donate money and support you and Mind? Yes I do, it’s https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teresa-raines Any donations will be gratefully received and any support and encouragement would be fantastic too. We just had something we’d like to say to you Teresa before we wrap up this interview. We think what you’re doing is outstanding and that fact you believe your life hasn’t changed much compared to others is truly incredible. From outsiders looking in, the fact that you go to work every day on the frontline, wearing your PPE and devoting your life to caring for all our families is something we will forever be grateful for. To go one step beyond what you’re already doing and being so selfless to additionally raise money by taking up a challenge to support Mind is truly inspirational. From Wales England Care Ltd we wanted to wish you the best of luck with your challenge and wanted to let you know that you’re a fantastic learner and we’re so grateful you chose us to enhance your knowledge and further your career. You are an incredible lady and we are here to support you all the way! Comments are closed.
|
|
Cefnogir Rhaglenni Prentisiaeth, Hyfforddeiaeth a Twf Swyddi Cymru, a arweinir gan Lywodraeth Cymru, gan Gronfa Gymdeithasol Ewrop. |
|
The Apprenticeship, Traineeship and Jobs Growth Wales Programmes, led by the Welsh Government, are supported by the European Social Fund. |