Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Three years have now passed since I developed my facial palsy and I am still going through the recovery process. There have tough and challenging times; not being able to spontaneously smile and express emotion through my face has been very tough and tiring. I am also uncomfortable at getting my photographs taken whilst I have my facial palsy. In October 2013, I underwent two surgical procedures; stage 1 of facial reanimation (smile surgery), a cross facial nerve graft and transbletharoplasty upper eyelid lift. Slow process due to nerve regeneration and waiting game for the exciting part of this procedure, which is when the facial fireworks start with the nerve tingling sensations. Along recovery road ahead of me over the next 12-18 months involving physical therapy, botox treatment further down the line and potentially stage 2 of facial reanimation and other corrective cosmetic procedures. To achieve my goal of life changing results with spontaneous smile and facial expressions. The key is to remain determined, keep a positive mental attitude and have a great support structure. To find more about my Personal Story of living with Facial Palsy, please click on this link http://www.facialpalsy.org.uk/about-facial-palsy/personal-stories/ramsay-hunt-syndrome/ollies-story/316

Through sport, particularly running has been a tremendous coping mechanism. My facial palsy has made me fitter than ever. 2013 was quite some year with some amazing achievements. I had a two-page article in the March edition of Runners World. Thrilled to have a place and ran in the Virgin London Marathon 2013 and raised over £3,400.00 for Facial Palsy UK. Received an award of ‘Most Improved Male Runner’ from running club; Bellahouston Road Runners, awarded a fundraising award by Facial Palsy UK. In November, my amazing friends at Bellahouston Road Runners organised a unique Team Challenge relay event from Glasgow Green to Gretna to raise funds and support for Facial Palsy UK. You can read more about the event by clicking onto this link. http://news.facialpalsy.org.uk/2013/12/19/ollies-minions-run-for-facial-palsy-uk/

Going to running in the Alloa Half Marathon (16 March) and Brighton Marathon (6 April) to raise funds for Facial Palsy UK. An amazing charity that is going to make such significant and positive difference to the lives of people affected by facial palsy. It is very close to my heart through my personal experience of this condition and my involvement as a Charity Representative.

Your support is going to be so much appreciated by donating here. Knowing that people have donated their hard earned cash and are supporting me will help motivate and inspire me through the training to the big day itself! Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Please, please dig deep and donate, every little bit is going to help and make a difference, will be greatly appreciated. 

Thank you so much!

Keep smiling and Best wishes,

Ollie