glorification. That was what was more important to me really.â Her various conditions left her wheelchair-bound, befor
Anita Nickson 2017 Changing Lifestyle Award The Greater Manchester Sports Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and commitment shown to physical activity and sport in the region. Anita Nickson attended the 2017 awards after experiencing success at her local awards in Stockport. She has used physical activity to overcome her various illnesses and has completely changed her everyday way of life. This was recognised again at the Greater Manchester event where Anita claimed the Changing Lifestyle Award.
Anita’s Petition to Westminster However, success at regional-level isn’t enough for Anita, and she is now embarking on an even greater challenge, by taking on the UK government. In January 2018, Anita launched a petition aimed at gaining a research fund to investigate the rare disease that she suffers from. Anita has a condition called Pyoderma Gangrenosum, an auto immune skin disease caused by an over-active immune system. The disease is extremely rare and affects just one in 100,000 people in the UK. As a result, very little is known about it and explains why Anita is so passionate about increasing knowledge of the disorder. Pyoderma Gangrenosum often coincides with other ailments and Anita suffers from osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Over the past 8 years she has had 29 hospital admissions, 4 blood transfusions, 11 cycles of biological chemotherapy over 15 months, steroid induced type 2 diabetes, 8 blood infections, post-traumatic stress disorder and has nearly bled to death on three occasions. “It’s such a horrifically painful thing. Before the biological chemo I went through about 22 different types of drugs, it was horrific,” she said.
“It was just trial and error because there’s so little research into it and the doctors don’t have one cure for everyone. The more awareness I can raise the better, I just don’t want anyone to go through what I had to. So the award is great and gives me a little platform, rather than for my own glorification. That was what was more important to me really.” Her various conditions left her wheelchair-bound, before being referred onto the PARiS (Physical Activity Referral in Stockport) scheme by her GP. “I never gave up on being able to walk wheelchair-free. Through the PARiS scheme I’ve actually been able to work myself up from a wheelchair, to a frame, to crutches. I’ve been on crutches for a number of years now but I really want to get off them if I can.” Despite her various ailments, Anita tries to remain upbeat and believes this is the key to her remarkable recovery. "I’ve got quite a positive mind set which is so important, I think 90% of your healing is your mind set. “I have to use exercise and sport as way of staying flexible whether I like it or not, but I find that when I exercise, it releases endorphins and it just keeps you happy and positive.” To sign Anita’s petition click here. For more information about the Greater Manchester Sports Awards then please visit: www.greatersport.co.uk/awards
