I chose this charity to run for because a close family member is currently in Intensive Care being treated for this rare condition - Guillain-Barre Syndrome.  She is completely paralysed, communicates through blinking, on a ventilator to help her breathe and being unable to swallow, is fed via a tube in her nose. The money I raise will help fund research into this little understood, hard to diagnose debilitating illness.  As the Great North Run is very soon, please don't hold back - press the 'donate' button now and help others to benefit in the future. I would be very grateful for anything you can give.

GBS (Guillain-Barre syndrome) is an acute disease of the peripheral nervous system in which the nerves in the arms and legs become inflamed and stop working.  This causes sudden weakness leading to limb paralysis, and a loss of sensation, sometimes with pain.  In about 25% of cases paralysis progresses up the chest to the head as is the case with her.

Cause, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of this syndrome needs research.  The charity GAIN has three main aims:

1.  The provision of information, non-medical advice and other assistance;

2.  The promotion of research into the causes, prevention and treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome and associated inflammatory neuropathies;

3. Advancing the awareness of the public and of the medical professions concerning Guillain-Barre syndrome and associated inflammatory neuropathies, their causes, prevention and treatment.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.  Whatever you can give is much appreciated.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.