Long Covid Kids backs mum taking on triathlon for housebound son
Jana Touati is taking on the challenge in support of her son, Samir, who suffers with Long Covid and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) - a complex, long-term biological illness affecting multiple body systems
When Jana stands on the start line of the London T100 Sprint Triathlon on Sunday, July 26, she won't just be racing for a personal goal.
Jana with her son Samir (Image: Supplied)
Every stroke, every pedal, and every step will be for her teenage son who has spent the past five years living with Long Covid and ME/CFS.
Samir is housebound and studying for his GCSEs from home after his illness dramatically changed family life.
Jana, who is from Barking, east London, is taking on one of the capital's biggest triathlon events to raise funds for Long Covid Kids, a charity founded in Dorset that supports children and young people living with Long Covid and overlapping illnesses.
Founded in 2020 by Weymouth resident Sammie McFarland after both she and her daughter developed Long Covid, the charity has grown from a grassroots parent-led initiative into a nationally recognised organisation supporting more than 11,000 families across the UK and beyond.
Jana said: "I'm running this because Samir can't.
"Every stroke, every pedal, and every step is for him and for every child this illness has stolen too much from.
"Long Covid Kids has been a lifeline for our family.
"This is my way of giving something back while helping ensure children like Samir are seen and supported."
Samir is now wheelchair bound after developing Long Covid and other medical conditions (Image: Supplied)
Sammie McFarland, founder and CEO of Long Covid Kids, said: "Jana is an incredible advocate, not only for her own son, Samir, but for countless other children and young people living with Long Covid and ME/CFS.
"She has a quiet determination that inspires everyone around her.
"Like so many parents in our community, she has faced challenges no family should have to endure, yet she continues to turn that love into action.
"Although Jana lives away from Dorset, her story reflects exactly why Long Covid Kids was founded.
"Childhood doesn't pause while a child waits to recover.
"We exist to ensure that no child or family has to navigate Long Covid and overlapping illnesses alone, while working towards a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, participate, and thrive.
"We are incredibly grateful for Jana's dedication and wish her every success on race day."
Long Covid continues to affect thousands of children and young people across the UK.
Many experience symptoms that fluctuate over time, making it difficult to attend school, maintain friendships, and participate fully in everyday life.
Jana hopes her challenge will raise both vital funds and greater awareness of children whose lives continue to be shaped by prolonged illness.
Support Jana To support Jana's London T100 Sprint Triathlon fundraiser, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jana-sprintlondonthriathlon
