Charlie

In this episode of the Long Covid Hope Podcast, the podcast that aspires to shine a light on the more hopeful stories of Covid 19 long haulers, we’re talking with Charlie, an actor and photographer living in London. Charlie is a first waver who had a difficult time with Long Covid, but has since fortunately recovered his health and returned back to fitness and exercise in a big way. Charlie is doing an amazing thing to raise awareness and raise funds for the Long Covid SOS charity: he's about to leave on a 17 day hiking expedition in Nepal! Charlie, with family members Tony and Howie, are going to the Himalayas from the 4th April and are taking part in a guided walk at high altitude which finishes at the Everest base camp. We'll be hearing it in Charlie's own words, but going to the Himalayas is a life long dream of his, and this trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity- all in the name of Long Covid SOS and Long Covid Awareness!!

I'd like to make a quick statement about the safety of what Charlie has decided to do. As many other long haulers have been, I was initially rather concerned for Charlie doing this, particularly since he had a Fatigue based version of Long Covid. However, each of us know our own bodies better than anyone else, and if he feels like he has recovered enough and trained enough without any PEM episodes, then honestly all power to him. This isn't a normal undertaking for most people, but we have to appreciate his family background as mountaineers, and his level of fitness prior to catching Covid. As we've heard countless times now on this podcast, Long Covid has often struck the people who are the most active and fit in society. Charlie is one of those people. Recovering from Long Covid can inspire you in many different ways - for me I started a yoga for chronic conditions venture and this podcast - for Charlie it is this sponsored walk for the Long Covid SOS charity. So let's all stand behind him and support him in this endeavour, and please donate to Long Covid SOS if you have the funds to do so, they do amazing work for long Haulers here in the UK. Best of luck to you Charlie!!!

Disclaimer: **Please note that we are not medical professionals and this does not constitute medical advice. The Long Covid Hope Podcast or Sarah, Long Haul Yogi does not endorse any treatments described in the podcast episodes. Always speak to your doctor or medical practitioner before starting any new treatments, supplements or beginning a new exercise routine.**

Trigger warnings: medical gaslighting, difficulty obtaining medical care, depressive thoughts.

Links:

Charlie's Just Giving Donation Page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/longclimbforcovid

Charlie's Instagram Climb for Long Covid: https://www.instagram.com/climb_for_long_covid_/

Charlie's article in the Guardian, Sept 2020: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/13/i-was-infected-with-coronavirus-in-march-six-months-on-im-still-unwell

Charlie's challenge on Long Covid SOS website: https://www.longcovidsos.org/post/charlie-s-challenge-to-climb-to-everest-base-camp-to-raise-funds-for-long-covid

Long Covid SOS Charity: https://www.longcovidsos.org/

Wim Hoff Method: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/