I started attending the centre in 2022 following a long period in a rehabilitation centre and a devastating diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Whilst still trying to adapt to life and accept aids to support me, such as my wheelchair, I was so nervous about going to the centre. However, I was met with a warm smile, lots of helpful information and booked in for my first oxygen therapy session!

The centre is incredibly supportive to people with FND and many other neurological conditions. The members of the centre are friendly too and host crafting events and social gatherings. It’s a completely non-judgemental environment. Sadly, like many charities, it relies on the goodwill of donations. 

One of the self-management techniques cited to help FND is crafting. I thought I would give it a go and actually really enjoyed it, so decided to use it to fundraise.

Friends and family loved my creations  and my first craft fair was a huge success. Crafting has become a hobby I truly love. Whilst each day with FND is unpredictable and I have to pace myself, knowing I can make a difference by making crafts for suggested donations , to help others with neurological conditions, like me, makes the bad days bearable 🥰

This Centre truly is one-of-a kind and the only one available local to me within a 35 mile radius, which is a sad reflection on the lack of services available for FND in general.

FND is incredibly frightening and at times debilitating. There is no wax or wane as to when my body will just shut down. That fear alone causes me to remain at home most of my time as I do not go out unsupervised. This worry is not just for me but my family too.

One minute I can be walking and the next my legs just won’t work with me, I suffer from seizures, memory issues, visual problems, cognition difficulties, chronic fatigue to name a few; life is very difficult. Crafting has helped by being a distraction, a positive focus. 

The Centre has been a lifeline for me, not just because they have devised my personalised care plans but it’s also very sociable. It’s somewhere to go when you know you are not ok.

However, in order to support more people with FND and other neurological conditions the Centre relies  on the kindness of others. If  we can collectively raise £40,000 it means the centre can offer such amazing services to another 200 people, who I know will greatly benefit.

I will be crafting as my FND allows and host a few events, such as penny raffles to help raise as much as possible.

 If you don’t wish to have a craft item but would still like to donate, any amount, no matter how small, it will be so very gratefully received.

Just to give you an idea of how your donation will help…

£6 pays for 45minutes in an adapted gym, supported by a physiotherapist.

£10 allows you to utilise an anti-gravity treadmill.

£10 allows you to have 1hour in an oxygen chamber.

You also have access to counsellors, Pilates, Yoga and much more.

Thank you so much,

Samantha x

**I AM A NON-PROFIT CRAFTER**