Hi my name is Tim Henderson and I am reaching out for help and support in setting up a fundraiser for my wife Cathy in order to cover ongoing medical costs so she can finally receive the diagnosis and treatment that will help get her life back to where it once was.

Unfortunately, in the early spring of 2021 Cathy suddenly began to struggle with completing daily tasks such as walking up and down the stairs, doing housework and dressing herself due to chronic pain and fatigue throughout her body. Due to the sudden onset of this pain, we tried to make appointments with Cathy's GP in the hope of a referral to receive a diagnosis to explain why Cathy's life had changed in such a drastic way. Due to the second COVID lockdown this was not possible and led us nowhere.

After little to no progress with the NHS, In the September of 2021 we had to make the decision to reach into what savings we had to arrange a private neurology consultation with MRI scans, extensive blood tests, nerve conduction tests and more, where we discovered that Cathy had developed a small but abnormal number of spots of white matter lesions on the brain considering her age. After further review it was decided that this white matter, although abnormal, would not cause the severity of Cathy's symptoms meaning the root cause had not been clinically identified.

Due to this step in the right direction and a kind donation from family members we were seen for a second opinion by another private Neurologist who confirmed the presence of white matter but also identified damage to the right cerebellum caused by an ischemic stroke. However, we were again told that clinically this would not be the cause of Cathy's health problems.

Sadly, as time has passed Cathy's symptoms have now become significantly worse. Cathy now struggles with her speech and vision, coordination and awareness and is unable to control her emotions, she has an unrecognisable gait (walking motion) and struggles to walk without assistance. At this time, Cathy is almost completely bed bound due to constant fatigue and discomfort. Due to this, I am Cathy's full time carer and am unable to work.

After over three years and thousands of pounds into this battle, we have started the process of being referred to a multi award winning Neurologist, who we hope will give us the diagnosis or diagnoses that Cathy needs to begin the correct treatment. However, this is a private Neurologist at the Priory in Birmingham and at this time we do not have the funds available to cover the relevant expenses , hence this fundraising effort. These referral processes when done privately can cost upwards of £5,000 a time and as Cathy’s condition is pre existing no insurance plan would cover these costs.

Prior to her illness, Cathy was so full of life, took a personal pride in herself and our family home and now simple tasks like showering, drying her hair and eating with a knife and fork are all beyond her.

We thank you in advance for donations no matter their size. These donations will be used to cover medical expenses and any treatments that can be identified post diagnosis. Additionally, seeing your support will provide some mental relief for Cathy as she has become increasingly frustrated and distressed with the situation she finds herself in.

Thank you,

Tim Henderson