Hi, my name is Bill Cooper, I have had Restless Leg Syndrome
since 2007, this is my story.

My wife noticed it first, while I was sleeping, I would kick
my legs so vigorously that I would wake her up and kick her out of bed. It
became unbearable for both of us and eventually I was admitted to Papworth
Hospital for tests including a sleep deprivation test. I was diagnosed with
Restless leg Syndrome. 

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), is a neurological disorder
characterised by an irresistible urge to move my legs to stop an uncomfortable
sensation at the back of my knees. I have found that standing or walking can reduce
the pain.

The symptoms start just as I begin to relax, inevitably I
have no choice but to get out of my chair or out of bed to stretch or go for a
walk - this can happen many times during the evening and throughout the night.
It has resulted in long sleepless nights and daytime fatigue which has
invariably impacted on the quality of life, including my employment, and those
close to me.

Although its name indicates that it affects the legs, in
addition, I also suffer from limb jerking during resting and sleep, referred to
as Periodic Limb Movements (PLM), Because of the effect of developing PLM I was
told that I may have Parkinson’s Disease (PD), but the only way to test for
this is to stop my medication for 48 hours. I did this which resulted in 48
hours of pain and no sleep. However, after completing some tests after this 48
hours period it was established that I do not have PD.

However, during the period I thought I had PD I met Tim Daber
and became interested in his 60/60 walk raising money for Cure Parkinson’s
Trust, and his quest to raise £100,000 with the hope to cure PD. It is my
expectation that if PD can be cured then RLS can also be cured.