Tammy sets herself a marathon challenge

For most people a 26-mile walk would represent quite a daunting prospect but for battling Tammy Richards it will be a very special challenge.

The 42-year-old from Oakham has a very rare condition known as Turner Syndrome, which affects only one in every 2,000 baby girls and for which there is currently no

cure.

It is a chromosomal condition that affects development in females, with the most common feature of the condition being short stature – Tammy is only 132cm tall (4ft 4in).

A girl with Turner Syndrome only has one normal X chromosome, rather than the usual two.Those with the condition often suffer heart problems and have other health issues.

To raise money for the Turner Syndrome Support Society, a charity that is naturally dear to her heart, Tammy has set herself the challenge of doing a sponsored walkathon around Rutland Water.

She will be setting off from Barnsdale and covering a distance off 26 miles, and plans to do this over a period of four days at the end of July – on July 23, 24, 26 and 27, with a rest day in the middle.

Tammy admitted: “I’ve never done anything like this before but I wanted to raise awareness of the condition and also raise as much money as I can for the charity.

“I am going to the gym and walking in the evenings to prepare for the challenge.

“I’m looking forward to it and hoping that it’s not quite as hot as it is at the moment when I do the walk.”

Tammy has been a battler all her life. When she was born, she suffered a heart attack and wasn’t expected to live for more than two years but she defied the odds.

Then, about eight years ago, she experienced a stroke but, again, showed her battling spirit to recover

well.

Tammy is the organiser for her local Turner Syndrome Friendship Group, which covers the Rutland and Leicestershire area and which meets at various locations throughout the

year.

If any readers are interested in sponsoring Tammy or would like to know more about Turner Syndrome, visit her Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tammy-Richards2