Who are we?

We're Nottingham Trent University's SRA Award-Winning Student Radio Station. Broadcasting from the heart of Nottingham 24/7. Tune in at flyfm.co.uk.

What are we doing?

We're 'cycling' 411 miles from the Emirates Stadium (Arsenal FC's Ground) to Signal Iduna Park, Westfalenstadion (Borussia Dortmund's Stadium) on March 2nd - 3rd.. All from the comfort of our very own Media Hub. Usually it's a 33 hour bike ride, but because Josh's last name is Wing, we're going to try and 'Wing it', in just 24. Oh, and did we mention we're broadcasting the whole thing - LIVE on our website (flyfm.co.uk)

Can a load of students who talk on the radio, eat diets of consisting of almost anything beige, drink more than the recommended alcohol allowance and stay up late watching Netflix to avoid studying, complete this mammoth task? We'll find out!

When are we doing it?

We're starting cycling at 6pm on Friday 2nd March and cycling non-stop until 6pm on Saturday 3rd March. Each cyclist will do a 30 minute slot and then change over with another cyclist to keep things as fresh as possible!

Who are we raising money for?

Linden Lodge Neuro Rehabilitation Unit: A Nottingham-based rehab unit that helps people who lose basic neuro function and are unable to perform basic human tasks to make a full recovery from their illnesses. They provide support to families and sufferers of several illnesses that affect their neurological function and mean that people often have to rebuild their lives from the most simple of steps.

Why are we doing it?

Leaving Nottingham Trent University in the summer of 2017 with a 2:1 in Broadcast Journalism, plenty of work experience under his belt and a Student Radio Association Award, Former FLY FM Head of Sport Josh Wing had a very bright future ahead of him. Including winning a prestigious placement with the BBC for his dissertation documentary covering injuries in sports.

Later that year, he started to feel unwell. Assuming it was just a cold and that it would pass, he carried on going to work as normal. However, as he started to feel weaker and weaker in his muscles and eventually started to struggle to walk. He went to see his GP, who referred him to the hospital after a series of blood tests, suspecting Glandular Fever.

At the hospital, he was initially diagnosed with Glandular Fever and that the reason his legs felt so weak was because of dehydration caused by the illness. But after being examined again and undergoing four Lumbar Punctures, Josh was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome too, which can be triggered by Glandular Fever and several other illnesses.

As Josh's condition continued to become worse, he was unable to use his arms or legs, couldn't sit down, stand or walk, was unable to chew food, talk or perform basic human functions - all things we take for granted, and questioned whether or not he'd be able to do these things again.

At one point, Josh was only able to eat ice cream as it was the only soft enough food-type for him to process which for anyone of any age is an extremely upsetting experience. 

Thankfully - Unlike some GBS sufferers who pick up chest and breathing difficulties - Josh avoided having to go on a ventilator.

Spending two weeks in hospital, Josh began to show signs of improvement and was eventually transferred to Linden Lodge Neuro Rehabiliation Unit, where with the help of Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and Psychologists, he underwent a rigorous process of physiotherapy to help rebuild his life - starting with the very basics.

With the help, determination and very best care available on hand: Josh was able to make a speedy recovery, one of the fastest the centre has ever seen, and was temporarily discharged over Christmas so that he could spend some quality time with his family, who supported him during every step of the way. 

For some people, recovery from GBS can take weeks, months, or even years but four weeks later, Josh was discharged entirely from the centre, continuing to stay in contact with the Outpatients for the first few weeks.

As he continues to get stronger everyday, he is getting ready to return to work and even has plans to do something he has always loved, to play football once again. But is thankful to everyone who has helped him on his road to recovery - especially his family and the carers at Linden Lodge - who have all supported him every step of the way.

While it's been a tough journey, but with the help of Linden Lodge, Josh has gone on to make one of the fastest recoveries from GBS the unit has ever seen. He is grateful for Linden Lodge's support and to help show his gratitude, FLY would like to fundraise in order for them to build a garden - a place for current and future patients to relax in while undergoing treatment. 

About Guillain-Barre Syndrome:

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neuro-illness that affects one in every 100,000 people in the UK. It is so rare very little research has been conducted on the syndrome. GBS occurs usually after another illness/infection to the body and the immune system simply gets confused. It sends antibodies to attack healthy nerve cells in your peripheral nervous system which leads to weakness, numbness, and tingling by damaging the path between the nerves and the brain. It can eventually cause temporary paralysis and/or ventilation in intensive care because it can cause severe muscle weakness. There are few treatments for GBS but the most common is Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG). This is a treatment made from donated blood that contains healthy antibodies. These are given to help stop the harmful antibodies (those sent by the immune system) damaging the nerve cells further. Such treatment usually takes 4-6 weeks to kick-in.