Beginning the 1st of December I will be taking a vow of silence and not making a verbal sound until Christmas Day in order to raise awareness of some of the symptoms of FND (Functional neurological disorder) a rare condition that affects the brain in a variety of ways including: the loss of speech, weakness in the limbs, sensory dysfunction and seizures.

Two years ago my dad had an accident at work resulting in a brain injury.  For a long time we did not understand or know what was going on.  He had debilitating migraines, could not walk properly and most devastatingly he could not make a single sound. It was not until August this year that we received any form of diagnosis. It has been a long road for my family and my dad and we now Iive with the unpredictable nature of this condition.  One day my dad can talk and the next he cant and we never know when or if his voice will return. 

I am doing this so that I myself can experience what it is like to live without a voice and more importantly raise awareness for those living with  FND.

FND Hope UK is a recognised charity #1173607. We promote awareness of FND through education and raising public understanding. We are dedicated to supporting those individuals affected with functional symptoms by advancing research into practical applications for the prevention, treatment and recovery of FND. We are a force for change, uniting patients and their families with leading researchers and advocates to pioneer a new standard of care for FND.Our mission is to promote awareness, support affected individuals and advance research.