Guillain-Barré syndrome 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. 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

It’s official, I will be running Manchester half marathon in October! 

To top it off, I will be running with my dad who is a keen runner and already completed several marathons and half marathons. 

We will be running for a charity called GAIN raising money for Guillain Barre Syndrome. In November 2021 my 18 year old sister who was and is a very fit, healthy, funny and smart individual became unwell and was diagnosed with glandular fever.

After a couple back and fourth visits into hospital due to high infection rates, Mabel started to lose her balance and strength in her muscles and was taken back into hospital for further tests. Mabel had a lumber puncture which diagnosed Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS). At that point Mabel couldn’t brush her own hair, couldn’t walk, couldn’t stand and couldn’t clean, wash and dress herself. 

It is believed GBS develops as the body’s way of fighting an infection such as glandular fever. There is no treatment for GBS but professionals can speed the recovery along with a five day blood transfusion course. The doctors, nurses and health care assistants were so receptive and within 6 hours she was starting to receive her blood transfusion treatment. 

Mabel was transferred to different hospitals, she had just turned 18 and so was an adult on an adult ward. Therefore it was extremely difficult for my parents to visit her. Only an hour a day and one at a time to comply with the current Covid restrictions at the time. There were ups and downs of course but Mabel never lost her sense of humour. People who develop GBS can be in hospital for months and with Christmas nearing as a family we were looking into postponing as it wouldn’t have been the same without her. 

Luckily, Mabel is very determined and she was adamant she would be home in time. About a week before Christmas, her blood transfusion treatment course had sped her recovery along and she was passing physio requirements meaning she was no longer at high risk. We managed to get her home. 

My parents turned the family kitchen into Mabel’s bedroom, we all adapted and worked together so we could still have a family Christmas. 

I’m happy to say now that 9 months later Mabel no longer goes to physio, excelled in her A levels and taking a well deserved year out before going to university next September. 

Whilst Mabel has been extremely lucky, since speaking to people about Mabel’s condition it is apparent GBS is more common than I first thought. A lot of patients spend months in hospital and severe cases can result in lose of speech and for some, they will never be able to walk again. 

Therefore, my dad and I would like to run for GAIN to help other GBS patients and their families out there. Any donations would be extremely grateful. Thank you ❤️