In 2005 my Mum, Joyce Evans, turned 70. She was a loving homemaker, wife and mother with many very close and long-standing friends. An outstanding home cook and cake-maker, she had worked as a care assistant in a care home environment for 35 years, most latterly as cook before finally retiring from work in her late 60's. 

Shortly after turning 70, Mum started to tell us about how she was beginning to feel different - nervous about going out, feeling dizzy and becoming increasingly anxious. Worse still, she was losing her enthusiasm in the kitchen. These feelings became worse but Mum's GP could not really offer any explanation and it was around two years before a suggested diagnosis of Parkinson Disease was put forward. Medication, however, had no significant effect and it was only after this time that the diagnosis of PSP was made. 

PSP is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. It’s a neurological condition caused by the premature loss of nerve cells in certain parts of the brain. Over a period of time PSP will lead to difficulties with balance, movement, vision, speech and swallowing. Like many other rare terminal conditions, there is no cure for PSP. Many of the symptoms of PSP can, however, be managed to help people achieve the best possible quality of life. There are believed to be around 4,000 people living with PSP in the UK at any one time.

There is currently no cure for PSP. 

Mum died in 2010 after being closely and lovingly cared for by my Dad and older sister. PSP affected us all. 

PSPA is a national charity providing support and information to people living with PSP and CBD, while funding research into treatments and ultimately a cure. They aim to improve the lives of everyone affected by PSP and CBD and rely entirely on voluntary donations.

I'm aiming to raise as much as possible to allow PSPA to help others in the future.