Andrea Gillies, of Bury St Edmunds, to attempt 50 runs and cycles on World Sleep Day for narcolepsy charity which has helped her
A Suffolk woman with narcolepsy will attempt to run and cycle 50 town routes in aid of a charity which supports those with her illness.
Andrea Gillies, who has lived in Bury St Edmunds for more than 20 years, has suffered from the condition since 1995.
She does not take medication for it but uses fitness and the app Strava to keep her focused and motivated.
In her challenge on March 14, in aid of Narcolepsy UK, she will aim to complete 50 of the different ‘segments’ across Bury available on Strava, intespersed with naps.
Andrea hopes to shine a light on the charity, but also make people aware the illness is more than how it is displayed in the movies and that it is different for everyone.
Narcolepsy is a neurological condition which affects the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake cycles. People with the illness may feel rested after waking, but can have episodes of feeling very sleepy throughout the day.
Andrea said: “Exercising has really been for my mental health, a way to get out and not thinking about daily chores. Time for myself and running around town has helped.
“So far, I’ve maybe done 10 of the segments at the most. I just wondered how many I could do in a day for charity.”
Some of the segments do not link, so Andrea will need to cross town to complete as many as possible.
She said Narcolepsy UK, for which she has already smashed her fund raising target of £250, was a great charity and she was enjoying the chance to shine a light on it as it does not receive Government funding.
“It’s spreading the word about narcolepsy,” she said. “A lot of people think it’s where they just fall asleep on the spot but it’s different for every person.”
Andrea is on Instagram as @sleepyphotocyclist, where she is documenting her preparation for her challenge as well as the progress of her fund-raising.
In 2024, Narcolepsy UK supported 400 people and obtained more than £1.2 million in housing benefits and support. It also presented to 80 schools, giving people information, advice and assisting parents in securing EHCP awards.
Andrea will set off at 8am on March 14 – which is also World Sleep Day – from Nowton Park. She said people were welcome to join her on her challenge throughout the day. All donations are welcome.