Welshpool versus Long Covid

Covid is #stillhere. And, naturally, so is Welshpool.

In the last 12 months, Welshpool has been travelling up and down the country - from Swansea to Wrexham, from Tenby to Treforest - breaking hearts, bones and any number of copyright laws. His aim is to serve up the dopest beats this side of the Severn Crossing and bring encouragement to those around him - all in the name of the Long Covid Support charity.

Long Covid is a condition that impacts an estimated 400 million people around the world - including several million in the UK. This number is rising as we speak. Severity can vary but it can have a devastating impact on the lives of, not only those who live with it, but the loved ones who are forced to care for them. Five years since the start of the pandemic, there are STILL no diagnostic tests, no approved treatments and no guarantee of a full recovery.

Among the millions affected are many key workers including doctors, nurses and teachers who sacrificed so much on the front line for our benefit only to find themselves struggling with little to no help. Many have lost their jobs and, as a result, have lost their homes or their partners. Sadly, some have taken their own lives.

THEY HELPED US. WHO'S HELPING THEM?

The prevailing attitude within society is that Covid-19 is no longer anything to worry about. This is not the case. It continues to wreak havoc within our families, our communities and our economy.

ANYONE CAN GET LONG COVID.

Long COVID can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, health status, vaccinations or prior exposure to COVID. Repeat infections can result in cumulative damage to any of your organs and increase the likelihood of you developing Long COVID. Those currently living with Long COVID live in fear of subsequent infections that may cause them to relapse.

SO - WHO IS WELSHPOOL?

Born out of a blockbuster film released in the summer of 2024 (Deadpool & Wolverine), he went viral (pun intended) and decided to use his new found notoriety to raise awareness of Long Covid. He does so by entering various events around Wales wearing a loud speaker, blasting out tunes, being confused with Spiderman and, in the spirit of Long Covid Support, providing encouragement to those around him.

He first appeared at the Cardiff Half Marathon in 2024 and has featured heavily on this YouTube channel:

https://youtube.com/@yantoversuslongcovid?si=lbFwDxHergUEUljO

Please SUBSCRIBE to this channel to catch his latest videos. If we achieve 1,000 subscribers, we are eligible for ad revenue that will go direct to the Long Covid Support charity.

If you'd like to watch his debut run and get an idea of what Welshpool is all about, copy this into your browser:

https://youtu.be/P59WaQz1ewg?si=apfrQJDhFXv_GWWG

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The Long COVID Support charity was set up by Long COVID sufferers. Their aim is to ensure everyone affected by Long COVID have access to appropriate treatment and support. Their work spans several areas:

Peer Support - We provide a safe, confidential space for sufferers to connect with others to offer advice and support. Our Facebook Support Group alone has 68,000 members spread across over 100 different countries.

Advocacy - We use our lived experience to engage with policy makers to provide insight to those affected by Long COVID.

Research - We're actively involved with numerous studies and trials aimed at developing potential treatments.

Education - We raise awareness and improve understanding amongst governments, employers and the wider public so that patients and their carers are managed in a way that will improve their quality of life.

For more information on the charity, or Long Covid in general, head to their webpage - www.longcovid.org

DIOLCH YN FAWR

THANK YOU