I am running to raise money for Facial Palsy UK (www.facialpalsy.org.uk), a brilliant charity that supports and helps people with facial palsy and paralysis. My wife Nicola was affected by a severe case of Bell's palsy during the birth of our second daughter, Maisie. Nicola gave birth with her eyelid taped shut, only being able drink through a straw and with piercing pain throughout her face. At a very happy time as a family there are very few photos of Nicola and Maisie as Nicola had to deal with a severe trauma to the face.

Bell's palsy is a condition a weakness of the facial muscles, mainly resulting from temporary or permanent damage to the facial nerve. When a facial nerve is either non-functioning or missing, the muscles in the face do not receive the necessary signals in order to function properly.

Most significantly, Nicola lost the confidence in her smile. Smiling and laughing is key to how people communicate and make you feel better, and when the ability to smile is taken away, the effect on a person’s emotional well-being can be quite devastating.

The biggest problem is the lack of awareness with 42% of patients not referred to a specialist because their GP does not know who and where to refer them to; over 50% wait for over a year for a specialist appointment. Each case of facial palsy is different. It can disappear in a week or remain long term. This can mean many sufferers of facial palsy struggle on alone.

Nicola felt isolated with no medical help for 10 years suffering with conditions such ringing in her ears, sensitivity to loud noise, shooting pains in her face, muscle spasms, loss of sensation in parts or her face and still not being able to close her eye or blink properly. 

Thankfully there is help. Facial Palsy UK helps sufferers’ deal with the physical and emotional impact of Bell's palsy. Through Facial Palsy UK Nicola spoke and connected with fellow sufferers and was referred to the NHS hospital Queen Victoria in East Grinstead. The treatment, support and guidance has provided hope and recovery plans for Nicola and for all facial palsy sufferers. 

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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https://www.facialpalsy.org.uk