Please help to Support Our Dad, Jay Fowler in his fight against Inclusion Body Myositis.

IBM is a muscle wasting disease that is rare and causes disability. It is often difficult to diagnose as it can mimic Motor Neurone disease .

It isn’t life threatening (to what we know of so far) but it causes the body to attack its own immune system and causes major disability as weakness, inflammation and muscle wasting in areas of the body. A person diagnosed with it loses the ability to grip, carry things, swallow and walk. It leaves Dad in constant pain. There is no known treatment or cure currently as the disease does not respond to medication. Physio can be given but not everyone responds as it is very different for the individual, Dad has attended physio and unfortunately no progress has been made.

Our Dad has been diagnosed with this condition and is now struggling to walk, needing mobility aids as a daily use to get around, he has difficulty swallowing foods and has a lot of muscle wastage. As you can imagine Our Dad is very proud and having to come to terms with this now lifelong condition has hit him hard. The impact of this illness is Huge, our mum & dad have had to move into a bungalow, and our dad is now using walking aids and his wheelchair due to very little mobility. It has completely turned life upside down. It is a constant daily struggle for him and our mum who is his constant support at home. As a family we now have a different outlook to our lives and support our parents at every opportunity we can give.

We are setting up this page to raise awareness of IBM and to support our dad in practical ways – from helping to fund mobility equipment and home adaptations, to supporting charities and research that are working towards better treatments and, one day we hope, a cure!

This is where you guys can all help!

To help support him, we are taking on the challenge of walking the Three Peaks in attempt to complete it in 24hours. That’s Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Mount Snowdon.

The funds we raise will be split 50/50 between Our Dad and The Myositis UK Charity.

- 50% of the funds will help pay towards Dad’s motorised wheelchair and other last bits of equipment that will help him have more independence with getting around the house and some outdoor freedom.

- The other 50% of the funds will go towards the Myositis Uk charity, who help support and research this awful disease.

IBM may be a part of Dad’s life, but it won’t stop him from enjoying the outdoors, watching his grandchildren grow up, family time, and the independence he deserves. With your support, we can make sure he has the right equipment to keep living life to the fullest, while also helping the wider community through vital research and support services.

Every donation, big or small, will make a huge difference. If you can’t donate, please share this page so we can reach as many people as possible.

Thank you so much for your kindness and support – we’ll think of every one of you when we’re standing on those summits!

Taking part in this challenge are:

Hayley – Daughter

Ben – Son

Susan – Daughter in law

Jamie – Son In Law

Megan – Niece

Joyde – Megan’s partner

(And possibly a couple of other close family members who we will confirm)