Greatest Hits Dorset reporter to walk 104 miles for ADHD
A reporter for Greatest Hits Dorset is walking 104 miles from his home to Westminster with an ADHD petition in his hands.
Last updated 30th Oct 2020
George Sharpe, reporter for Greatest Hits Dorset, is taking on the challenge to walk from his home in Dorset to Wesminster for an on-air radio campaign: #ADHD104
It's to raise awareness and get MP's to discuss the time it takes to get a diagnosis for ADHD.
On average, it takes 104 weeks (2 years) to get diagnosed in England - although in some areas it's as many as 4 years.
People with ADHD can flourish in work and relationships - if they have access to the right support. But it takes an average of 104 weeks to get a diagnosis for the disorder in England, something that George Sharpe wants MPs to act on.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and it can continue through adolescence and into adulthood.
It affects people's behaviour and can make them seem restless, like they struggle to focus, and may cause people to act impulsively.
Symptoms include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, as well as:
• carelessness and lack of attention to detail
• continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones
• poor organisational skills
• inability to focus or prioritise
• continually losing or misplacing things
• forgetfulness
• restlessness and edginess
• difficulty keeping quiet, and speaking out of turn
• blurting out responses and often interrupting others
• mood swings, irritability and a quick temper
• inability to deal with stress
• extreme impatience
• taking risks in activities, often with little or no regard for personal safety or the safety of others – for example, driving dangerously
George has ADHD and was diagnosed as a child, but that isn't the case for many, who go through years of misdiagnosis and waiting lists.
George will start his walk from Dorset on the 31st of October, the final day of ADHD Awareness Month. Each Saturday he will complete a stretch of the walk, alongside other people who have ADHD.
It marks the start of an on-air and social media campaign called #ADHD104, drawing attention to the long diagnostic waiting times people with ADHD can face.
George said:
"Having a diagnosis of ADHD can mean a world of difference to anyone who has the condition. It means that I, and those around me, can understand the way my brain works and offer help when I need it.
"I was incredibly lucky to have a mother who spotted my condition and fought for a diagnosis when I was a child. Other people don't have that privilege, and may go through years of low self-esteem and misdiagnosis before they even consider that they might have ADHD. Then, they have the long wait for a diagnosis.
"Spotting it sooner could support people to lead happy work lives and less stressful home-lives.
"That's why I'm walking 104 miles - to speak out for those who are waiting for a diagnosis, and those who may not have ever considered they have the condition."
Dr Tony Lloyd, CEO, ADHD Foundation - The Neurodiversity Charity - a leading neurodiversity, mental health and education charity, and the largest ‘user-led’ ADHD agency in Europe, said:
"The experience of many adults across the UK is that they have to wait such a long time to access an NHS appointment for a diagnosis of ADHD.
"We need to raise awareness and understanding of how undiagnosed and unmanaged ADHD can negatively impact on a person’s health and livelihood. We wish George every success with his campaign.”
You can follow George's progress on Twitter and on Instagram
You can sign the petition here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/552719