I'm running 100km for the Sickle Cell Society - find out why!

From the 12th - 14th May 2023, accompanied by a team of good friends and supporters we will be embarking on the Ultra Trail 100k - Snowdonia at the National Slate Museum, Llanberis.

Starting on Saturday morning, UTS 100K covers the highlights of the mountainous areas of northern Eryri/Snowdonia, taking in countless stunning trails, technical ridges and epic views over its 103kms, all in support of Sickle Cell Society and Sickle Cell disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD), or sickle cell anaemia, is a major genetic disease that affects most countries in the African Region. In sickle cell disease, the normal round shape of red blood cells become like crescent moons. Round red blood cells can move easily through the blood vessels but sickled-shaped cells interconnect and can result in blood clots.

These blood clots can cause extreme pain in the back, chest, hands, and feet. The disrupted blood flow can also cause damage to bones, muscles, and organs. People with sickle cell disease often feel weak, tired and look pale. The whites of the eyes and skin often have a yellowish tint.

My mother has suffered from the disease throughout her life and indeed her sister died in her mid-30’s from complications caused by Sickle Cell. Care for sufferers is not particularly accessible and investment in treatment is disproportionately low, especially in low-income countries - although access to treatment in the UK itself isn't without obstacles. Growing up with a parent who suffers with SCD, I have seen first-hand the excruciating pain this terrible disease causes, not to mention the wildly inconsistent levels of care.

For that reason, I have decided/in support of/to raise money for this fantastic cause that I am going to be running for the best part of 24 hours non-stop through the Snowdonia mountains - the pain I will experience pales in comparison to what many Sickle Cell sufferers are subjected to on a daily basis and through completing this challenge, I hope that I am able to shine a light on this debilitating condition and provide some financial support to the Sickle Cell Society in their endeavours to help SCD sufferers improve their quality of life.

You can find out more or even better support me in this challenge by donating at; https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/remi-sellers

Thanks to everyone who has and indeed will support me, wish me luck!

Remi Sellers