For my 70th birthday I would like to raise money for this charity which supports sufferers of various neurological conditions as well as research into further understanding of causes and treatments.

I woke up one day in March 2014 barely able to use my legs and struggled to get downstairs. Medical professionals were quick to get me admitted to hospital where, after a lumbar puncture, I was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome. I knew very little about it but was soon to become an expert! Within a week the paralysis was making its way up my body. My legs and arms were useless and my breathing was causing concern. I was started on Introvenous Immunoglobulin and transferred to the high dependency unit. Many people were praying and things started to turn around before I could no longer breathe for myself. There followed six weeks of learning how to walk again, how to hold a knife and fork or a pen and regular visits to the hospital chapel to play the piano! During this time I experienced some excruciating pain as well as bodily functions ceasing to work and the joy of having to be hoisted everywhere.

Eleven years on I am fully independent but still deal with residual symptoms on a daily basis. There are random pains, poor balance and spatial awareness as well as extreme fatigue if I fail to pace myself.

Sadly there is little awareness of this condition and the ongoing disability which varies from day to day and is not always visible.