Posted: 22-May-2006 << BACK
Walk of life
A BO'NESS woman who admits that the furthest she walks is to the corner shop is planning a 100-kilometre trek in the Himalayas!
Petra Wright has signed up for the October trip to Nepal to raise funds for, and awareness of, the dangers of Hepatitis C.
Petra who lives with husband Andrew in Fountainpark Crescent, was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in 2004 and that resulted in a huge lifestyle change. The diagnosis even led to her giving up a good job with Standard Life in Edinburgh.
The doctors could not prove conclusively how Petra (52) contracted the blood-borne virus but told her that it could have been lying dormant in her system.
But current treatments for the disease have not been very successful for Petra. She said: "I decided to join the trek after going through treatment in 2004 and I am committed to help raise awareness of this illness so that others may at least have the chance to be treated."
To get on the 10-day trip from Bhari to Pokhari, organised by Community Action Treks of Carlisle, Petra has to raise 3500. So far she has raised 1000 and a jazz cruise on the River Forth on June 17 should help. Other events will include a music night and car boot sales.
Petra said: "I am a bit nervous about the whole thing for I've never walked further than the corner shop before! When we're in Nepal we'll be walking for six or seven hours a day for 10 days at altitudes of up to 3500 metres so it's not just a stroll in the park!
"I've been going to the gym in a determined effort to get fit and I'm looking forward to a get-together in the Lake District in July when everyone on the trip is meeting up for the first time.''
Petra was treated at Stirling Royal Infirmary and she said: ''I can't thank the doctors and nurses enough for all they have done for me.''
Petra is walking for the Hepatitis C Trust. To help her, or to get tickets for the jazz cruise on the "Maid of the Forth", contact Petra on 01506 511570 or e-mail parkness@aol.com
Article - Allan Scott. Reproduced with kind permission from The Linlithgowshire Journal & Gazette
