Jen has a genetic condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. One of the many symptoms of EDS is loose and unstable joints that dislocate easily. This means that on many occasions Jen has to rely on a walking stick, crutches or at its worst she is unable to walk. Jen has regular flair ups where she suffers multiple painful dislocations resulting in trips to hospital. Originally, we were fundraising to help purchase her an electric wheelchair for when her mobility was severely affected. However, she has recently been to a specialist unit where the physiotherapists know a lot more about the management of EDS. They have advised Jen to try other avenues as although a wheelchair would help her mobility, it will cause further deterioration to her muscle tone and make her permanently reliant on the chair. Therefore the money we raise is now going to help Jen in other ways. Based on the advice and guidance of the specialists she has seen, she will benefit from leg braces and sessions with specialised fitness trainers to increase her muscle tone which will in turn make her joints stronger. Unfortunately, these aren’t funded by the NHS which is where we come in!!!

To give you an idea of the ways the money raised will help Jen, the leg braces cost in the region of £200 each (https://www.orthomen.co.uk/products/hip-abduction-brace). Sessions with a trainer specialised in working with EDS patients is £50 a session (http://www.thefibroguy.com/about-me/)

Every penny raised is a step closer to getting Jen the help, support she needs to lead a more mobile and independent life.

Jen is not one to ask for things and is so overwhelmed by everyones generosity. She asked me to add the following words;

Many thanks to everyone for taking the time to read this. And an even bigger thank you to everyone who had donated.

Jen has also said that any money left over after purchasing the braces and booking the fitness sessions will be donated to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.