As part of Walk to Work Week I walked to work from Croydon to Kings Cross on Thursday 29th April 2010, which is a distance of 13 miles.

The walk was to raise money for the CJD Support Network because of a fellow Bristol Rovers supporter, Julian Bailey, who died of CJD in February 2010. Juilan was an all round great bloke, school teacher, artist, musician and a Rovers supporter for over 50 years. He's in the photo opposite, 3rd from the left wearing glasses.

The CJD Support Network is a patient support group providing help and support for people with all strains of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, their carers and concerned professionals.

It also provides support for people who have been informed that they are at a higher risk of CJD through secondary transmission i.e. blood transfusion or surgical instruments.

Established in 1994 by relatives of people with CJD and is now recognised as the leading charity for all forms of CJD. Charity registration number 1097173

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (or sometimes known as Jakob-Creutzfeldt Disease) is one of a group of rare brain disorders known as prion diseases which occur both in humans and certain animals. The infectious agent, or prion, attacks the brain, killing cells. Gaps in brain tissue develop, giving the brain a characteristic sponge-like appearance under the microscope.

Prions may exist in the body for many years before symptoms begin, but death may then result within a year. CJD usually attacks people over the age of 55.

Early symptoms of CJD include minor lapses of memory, mood changes and loss of interest. Within weeks an infected person may complain of clumsiness and feeling muddled, become unsteady in walking and may exhibit slow or slurred speech. Eyesight often becomes blurred.

The disease progresses to jerky movements, shakiness and stiffness of limbs, incontinence and the loss of the ability to move or speak. It is likely that the person is no longer aware of their surroundings or disabilities. Eventually the person will need full nursing care.

People affected by CJD usually die within six months of early symptoms, often from pneumonia. In a minority of patients the disease may take two years to run its course. In rare cases, the disease can last for many years.

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.