From Melton to Mont Blanc

Sports-loving

When Melton Mowbray postie Adam Hawkins was diagnosed with a chronic illness, he was determined to use it as a catalyst for change.

Two years on, fitness fanatic Adam Hawkins has completed several marathons, as well as a series of challenging hill runs and other sporting missions – all while battling a debilitating condition. Now he has his sights set on the world’s most gruelling mountain ultramarathon, the 170km Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc through Switzerland, Italy and France.

Adam lives with AERD (Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease), a little-known condition which can affect some of the most vital human senses. In 2017, he began suffering distressing symptoms, such as breathing difficulties and asthma, before gradually beginning to lose his sense of smell and taste.

Doctors were at a loss to explain why he was experiencing these effects. So, after several consultations, Adam started to carry out his own research. AERD is a chronic inflammatory condition that can cause asthma, chronic nasal discomfort and severe reactions to aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Adam discovered he was experiencing many of the condition’s common symptoms, so reached out to Fifth Sense, the charity for people affected by smell and taste disorders.

Running for Ian

Garforth postie Graeme

Brine’s pulling on his running shoes to compete in May’s Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in memory of his brother. “Ian died of motor neurone disease at 49, in 2020,” says Graeme. “I’m raising funds for MND Association and have set up a page for donations.”

Former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in December 2019. Since then, he’s campaigned to raise awareness and funds to support other families living with MND.

“I was still managing to cope at work, but my breathing difficulties at night meant that I was getting around two to three hours’ sleep,” recalls Adam. “From then on, I decided to do as much research as I could into AERD and overhauled my lifestyle.

“As well as dedicating more time to fitness, I began eating a plant-based, anti-inflammatory diet, composed mainly of fresh fruit and vegetables. I found that this new, healthier mode of living had a dramatic effect on my symptoms.”

A combination of research and medical advice also led Adam to an official diagnosis – and, eventually, relief from his symptoms through the correct balance of medication.

Today, he’s committed to raising awareness of AERD, which is thought to affect many asthma sufferers – as well as raising funds for Fifth Sense during his sports endurance endeavours.

“My advice to anyone suffering with confusing symptoms is to visit their GP,” adds Adam. “And then be proactive with your own treatment plan.”

Find out more about AERD and Fifth Sense at fifthsense.org.uk