Inspecting and installing chutes can be a pretty dirty job but Managing Director of Chute Fire Certification UK®, Avene Furness-Monks is taking dirt to another level to compete in her 5th Tough Mudder event on 12th September 2019.
Avene’s daughter was born with Trachea-Oesophageal Fistula (TOF), a rare congenital condition that affects one in every 3,500 babies and meant that she had a conjoined windpipe and oesophagus. Many children born with this condition also have other deformities, such as limbs and organs that are not fully formed, and her daughter also had a left Microphthalmia (micro eye) with no sight. As soon as she was born, she was transferred to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and within 24 hours had undergone major surgery. She spent four days in intensive care and was eventually allowed home after two weeks in the neonatal unit.
Avene is pushing herself through 12 gruelling miles of mud and obstacles to raise money and awareness for the charity MACS (Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia and Coloboma Support) the UK’s national charity for children born without eyes or with underdeveloped eyes. If you want to show your support to provide confidence-building activities for these children and emotional support for their families, you can donate via Avene’s JustGiving page below.
