‘I’ve always enjoyed cycling and thought I would set myself a challenge of cycling 100 miles around Rutland Water, one of the largest bodies of water in Western Europe.

I would like to raise awareness of Pans Pandas UK, as I have seen the amazing support they have offered to William and his family over the last few months, from providing regular advise to hosting a webinar for the staff at Williams school.

It would be great to try and make a difference to the way this condition is understood.’

Jonathan will be supported by William, the Palmers of Oakham Team, friends & family, who will join him for a few miles or even a few laps around Rutland Water

Why Pans Pandas?

William (9) was diagnosed with a condition called PANDAS Syndrome 🐼 (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) in October 2024. What this means, is that William had an autoimmune response to a sore throat (strep throat), which has caused a misdirected immune response. The antibodies that should have fought the strep bacteria, have instead attacked his brain causing inflammation, leading to a sudden and ferocious onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Pandas is a complex condition and follows a relapsing and remitting pattern. When the immune system is stimulated and symptoms worsen this is known as a ‘flair’, and unfortunately William has suffered several big flairs since the initial onset.

Finding the charity @pans_pandas_uk gave Williams family the confidence to trust their instincts and the information to back it up, leading to a swift diagnosis (privately). If it wasn’t for the information on the website, they are certain William would have been misdiagnosed.

Williams school have been incredibly kind, caring & supportive, and the resources available from the charity have been invaluable alongside their approach.

Information about Pans Pandas UK-

PANS and PANDAS are conditions causing inflammation in the brain resulting in neuro-psychiatric symptoms such as OCD, tics, eating disorders and anxiety along with many more.

More commonly affecting children, these conditions can be isolating and life changing. PANS PANDAS UK's mission is to ensure speedy diagnosis and effective treatment for sufferers by educating the medical community as well as offering support to sufferers and their families.

For more information please see our website www.panspandas.org.uk

Thank you for reading x