Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page, where I'm raising money for the GBS Support Group.

As the Charity’s Support Officer, my main role is to ensure people receive the information and support that is available. A huge part of this involves working closely with our network of fantastic volunteers who have all been affected by GBS/CIDP themselves, and who give their time freely to help others understand and cope with the condition. Many are also active in raising awareness and funds, and have inspired me to get my trainers on and join them!

The Guillain-Barré Syndrome Support Group exists to provide support and information to patients and their families, to raise awareness of this condition and to attract funds for research.  Few people have heard of GBS prior to diagnosis, and feel very isolated and frightened as their symptoms get progressively worse; in severe cases, becoming unable to communicate and needing to be ventilated in order to breathe.

GBS affects roughly 1,200 people each year, and CIDP a further 500 people. About 80% of those affected by GBS will make a good recovery, even without the need for hospital treatment in very mild cases, but unfortunately between 5-10% of sufferers will die and the other 10-15% may experience long term residual effects ranging from limited mobility or dexterity, to life-long dependency on a wheelchair. GBS/CIDP is neither hereditary nor contagious, nor is it age or gender-related.