I am running in the Great South run in October 19, to raise awareness and money for Guillain-Barre  syndrome for its charity GAIN.

 Last year, 2018, out of the blue, I was struck down with a disease called Guillain-Barre syndrome. I knew nothing about this disease. I considered myself to be fit as I was running 10 miles every few days, so how on earth was my body starting to shut down. 

After a few weeks in hospital the paralysis had crept up to my upper chest from my toes. No one including general medical staff had any notion of what GBS was.

It is scary, when you’re nervous system gets attacked especially when you have never heard of the diagnosis.

A year on, and I still have mobility issues and it will take time to get back to relative normality.

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