In September 2013 I lost my Mother, Kate to an extremely rare and acute form of Guillain-Barré Syndrome.  It was a great shock to all of my family.  Mum went from having a common illness to complete paralysis, then us saying goodbye in the space of a few days.  She was treated at the John Radcliffe Neurology department. At the time none of us had heard of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, so I see running the London Marathon for GAIN not only as a personal challenge, but to raise awareness for this rare condition in my mum’s memory.

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