A 46-year-old woman from Warrington will be completing the virtual London Marathon on October 3 for the British Tinnitus Association (BTA).
It’s a charity that is close to her heart because it supports those living with tinnitus, a debilitating condition that affects almost 22,500 adults in Warrington alone, and around one in eight across the UK.
Jo Nemits has been living with tinnitus for 18 years and remembers when it first started, although she didn’t realise it had a name at that point.
She said: “Most of my friends don’t know I suffer from tinnitus and some days I find it unbearable. Imagine never hearing silence. The first thing you hear when you wake is a ringing noise, the last thing you hear before you sleep is a ringing noise and the only break you get is when you sleep.”
There are a range of techniques that help people manage their tinnitus, including sound therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness.
The British Tinnitus Association’s vision is “A world where no one suffers from tinnitus” which Jo fully supports. She is keen to raise awareness and vital funds for tinnitus research and support through her training and challenge event.
This will be her first marathon since 2014, when she completed the in-person London Marathon in four hours 24 minutes and 24 seconds. She’s hoping to beat this time and qualify for the Good for Age entry in next year’s event.
She said: “I did as little training as possible last time and just wanted to get round without walking! I was successful! This year I am hoping to run under four hours; my main aim is to get Good for Age which is three hours 53 minutes for my age.”
The BTA’s Fundraising Officer Jess Pollard added: “We’re thrilled that Jo has joined our virtual marathon team – she understands how important our services are and is dedicated to raising crucial funds and awareness for tinnitus. Thank you, Jo!”
To help Jo reach her £260 fundraising goal, donate at justgiving.com/fundraising/joanne-nemits1, or email [email protected] take part in your own challenge.
