Story

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Candice’s Story.. In the summer of 2006 Candice co-wrote and performed a piece of drama for the Edinburgh Fringe Festive The Flower whose Essence is dead If, Candice could have written this script it would read something like this: ‘A beautiful, young woman, universally loved by everyone she met, struck down by a rare illness with an unpronounceable name .....’ Candice’s smile was dazzling and infectious and she shared it readily – it was the mirror of the genuine, gentle and caring nature within. Candice had a zest for life. Her interests ranged from travel to musical theatre and a consequence had countless friends. She was a Musical Theatre graduate with a wonderful singing voice. As she waited to start her primary teaching placement she worked at a local children’s nursery, attended night school, volunteered at a primary school and youth centre and taught music and drama. Regardless of her workload she always found time for people – always sharing her big smile and unique and quirky sense of humour. A sense of humour was paramount to Candice, as was her family. Candice was very healthy. However in May 2010 she began to feel tired and contracted a virulent stomach bug. Her slow recovery was rationalized by her busy lifestyle. By July she was lethargic and described the increasing awareness of blurred vision, upper back stiffness and the sensation of pins and needles in her hands and feet. As Candice’s symptoms progressed she was admitted to hospital and it was here that we first heard the term Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Candices’ relief at finally having a name for her symptoms, albeit unpronounceable was immense. Tests including a lumber puncture were performed and Candice taken to Intensive Care. Over the following three weeks Candice received physiotherapy, Immunogoblins and excellent nursing care. However the physical and psychological effects of Guillain-Barre Syndrome left Candice terrified. Her mobility, swallowing and speech deteriorated and she became isolated within her lifeless body. Candice’s beautiful smile was gone and her voice reduced to a gentle, breathy, little whisper. By 17th August Candice’s condition deteriorated and the need to ventilate was realized. During the procedure Candice’s weak and tiny body suffered a Cardiac Arrest and pursuing brain damage. 23rd August 2010, Candice’s 26th Birthday she lost her fight to Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Raising medical awareness

Raising medical awareness

Story

Donation summary