DISABILITY gymnast Natasha Coates will be running the English Half Marathon in Warrington on Sunday, September 18 to raise money for two disability charities.
Natasha, 21, who was named Disabled Sportsperson of the Year 2015, suffers from Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). MCAS is a rare condition that causes an over-sensitive immune system. MCAS sufferers have regular, sometimes life-threatening, allergic reactions to a range of triggers from food to fragrances to exercise.
Since developing the condition when she was 18, Natasha has had more than 100 life-threatening episodes that require hospitalisation, intensive care treatment and medication to keep her alive.
Although she is effectively allergic to exercise, Natasha continues to train and compete as a disability gymnast. Now she is challenging herself to raise money for charity and help other disabled people like her.
Natasha said: “I’m really grateful to those who have helped me since being diagnosed with MCAS, so I wish to raise money for others to ensure they can get the help they need.
“This condition is so hard to live with. Every day is tough and I’m really lucky to be alive. I know this half-marathon will be difficult, especially since I suffered a respiratory arrest in early August, but I am trying to prepare my body as best I can and, with the support of everyone around me, I really feel I can complete it.”
Natasha is raising money for two charities. The first is Mast Cell Action, a new charity set up to support sufferers of MCAS. The condition is not currently recognised by the NHS so it is very hard for MCAS sufferers to get diagnosed and treated in the UK. Mast Cell Action works to raise awareness and improve treatment of MCAS.
The second organisation supported by Natasha is Birtenshaw, a local charity which provides education and care services for children and young adults with special educational needs and disabilities. Their services include a school, a college, children’s homes, adult care services, and short breaks.
Natasha added, “Both Mast Cell Action and Birtenshaw are fantastic charities that help so many people. I just really want to give back.”
Gawain Paling, a founding trustee of Mast Cell Action, said, “The money Natasha raises will be invaluable to us. Because we are a small charity, just starting up, all donations make a big impact. We are run entirely by unpaid volunteers so all donations go directly towards our work of raising awareness of MCAS so that one day sufferers can get access to more effective diagnosis and treatment.”
On Sunday 3rd July, Natasha cycled 25 miles from Liverpool to Chester, raising £830. She now wants to raise £1,000 for her chosen charities by completing the English Half Marathon.
You can sponsor Natasha on her Go Fund Me page by searching ‘Natasha Coates’ or by visiting: www.gofundme.com/natashaschallenges.
