The Boston Scientific Brecon Beacons Challenge

On Saturday 24th September our adventurous team of 15 neuromodulators have committed to traversing the full Brecon Beacons range from West to East over two days (55km/34m). The route includes steep ridges, high summits, waterfalls, moorland, and spectacular views (weather permitting of course) to raise awareness and money for The National Tremor Foundation.

We’re excited and grateful to be able to take on this challenge and more importantly raise awareness and money for patient support and education. We recognise the important work the National Tremor Foundation do for Essential Tremor patients and delighted we can support their great work.

What is Essential Tremor?

Essential tremor is a nerve disorder characterised by uncontrollable shaking, or ‘tremors’, in different parts and on different sides of the body. Common areas affected are the head, larynx, tongue, chin, arms and hands. The lower body is rarely affected. Essential Tremor is more common than Parkinson’s: in the UK population of 64 million, research suggests that up to one million people have Essential Tremor.

Causes of Essential Tremor?

The exact cause of Essential Tremor is unknown but it is thought that there is a change within the thalamus overtime. The thalamus is a structure within the brain that co-ordinates and controls muscle activity. Majority of cases are genetically inherited and occur more commonly in the elderly.

Symptoms include:

• Shaking that cannot be controlled and may occur for just brief periods of time

• Shaking voice

• Nodding head

• Tremors that worsen during periods of emotional stress

• Tremors that get worse with on-action, such as when you pick up a cup of tea

• Tremors that lessen with rest

• (In rare cases) balance problems

In the meantime, please do wish all our group good weather and luck for our challenge in the spectacular Welsh mountains. We thank you too for your interest in our team challenge and do hope you will support the National Tremor Foundation. Every donation, no matter the size, really helps benefit patient education and support.

Of course, we’re very grateful to Boston Scientific, our sponsor, for making this event possible.

Our team: 

Gillian Bassett, Callum Lloyd, Andrea Caradonna, Eike Davis, David Jasinski, Adam Jones, Charlotte Kirkland, Wayne Lawton, Nick Maling, Mark Meikle, Anna Passmore, Simon Rodemark, Irene Schiavon, Adina Seaton, Paul Wilkins and NTF Ambassador Anthony Murphy

For more details go to www.tremor.org.uk