Hi everyone my name is Douglas Sager and I am a member of the charity CMT UK. This charity supports people, like me, who have a diagnosisof Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), a genetic, progressive disease that causes gradual deterioration of the peripheral nerves to the hands and feet.

It is estimated that CMTaffects approximately 25.000 people in the UK, yet few people have heard of this disease, including many health and social care professionals. Diagnosis can be at any age, the main effects being serious difficulties with walking and balance.  It also causes difficulties with hand function ie opening jars and fastening buttons.

However, due to the progressive nature of the disease, consequences can include youngsters reliant on wheelchairs to, as  in my case, a 67 year old man adjusting, late in life, to using mobility aids. 

This lack of awareness of CMT can cause problems with diagnosis, as well as misunderstandings when we are out in the community. Also funds are needed for research into this condition and an increase in awareness may mean an increase in research along with diagnosis.

Originally I had the idea of making a humourous film. However, we've decided to drop the "silly walks" concept which upset some with CMT and go with a really exciting, technological format to show the nerves working, and not working.

The film will be 30-90 second raise awareness film which shows the effect of CMT using innovative visual effects to depict what happens when our nerves malfunction.  To see the concept art (the picture here is very tiny!) go to www.cmt.org.uk/awareness/awareness-video.  You can also read the proposed script there.

The film will be visually exciting while getting the message across clearly and succinctly: " this is what CMT is, and this is what it does" ending with the positive  CMT UK message "Together We Are Stronger".  

Acclaimed young film-maker Tim Partridge, who has also written the script, is ready to make the film. (See linkbelow if you wish to see an example his previous work).

https://vimeo.com/64142433

We also have the full support of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery team in Queens Square.

We only need to raise  another £5,000 to make the film. It would be a shame if we were to be unable to make this much needed contribution to raising awareness for want of such a relatively small amount. Please support us by making a donation on the “JustGiving” page, it would be much appreciated.