My dad George was struck down with Guillain-Barré syndrome on the 18th of July 2016 which left him totally paralysed with a tracheotomy, on life support systems and being fed via PEG tube.

This is a rare autoimmune condition affecting the peripheral nervous
system, usually leading to temporary or long-term paralysis. Around 80% of those with GBS will make a good recovery, but between 5-10% of people will not survive and the other 10-15% may be left with severe mobility or dexterity issues.

For a couple of months he was locked in his own body unable to speak or communicate with anyone. His hearing and mind were fine but he could not speak or move any part of his body. For someone who had always been fit and healthy this has been very hard for him and for the family to deal with. He spent several months in Intensive care units and in specialist rehab units where he was weaned off a ventilator  and had the tracheotomy removed. He eventually come home on the 31st of October 2017 where he still to this day has 24 hour care. He is improving all the time but still cannot stand, walk or feed himself.  GAIN were very good to my family and helped a lot with information, explaining what the condition was and helped towards petrol/travelling costs to see my dad as my step mum Doreen visited him every single day to see him. Please give as much or as little as you can!  GAIN helps people understand and manage both acute and chronic variants of the syndrome, raises awareness, and promotes clinical and non-clinical research into these conditions. For more info visit www.gaincharity.org.uk