I’m Keighley and I’m 24 years old and I would love to raise money for the Dystonia Society. For those who may not know about Dystonia, it’s a neurological movement disorder that causes the muscles to involuntarily contract.

This is a subject that is very close to my heart, as I have first hand experience with dystonia. It turned my life upside down when I was 13 years old. I was seriously ill from sepsis, found out that I had AML leukaemia from tests, and suffered a severe brain injury from an allergic reaction to the chemotherapy that caused me to develop secondary generalised dystonia.

The brain injury took away my ability to walk, talk, and use my arms. Recovery is very difficult with dystonia, as it holds me back from making improvements. I’m in a place where I’m making small improvements, however treatments are very limited in terms of how it can benefit people like me, and the funding/research.

Dystonia isn’t just physical, it can impact people mentally. It can be emotionally exhausting-from the exercises, the constant hospital appointments, being told the worst case scenarios by medical professionals. It can cause depression and anxiety. Speaking from personal experience, I have REALLY DARK days, BUT what keeps me going and pushing forward…never giving up…is hope. I’m very hopeful that one day treatment will progress and that it will be available to all those who need it, but I need help with that. I know times are tough, but a little generosity can go a long way, and maybe we can work towards a better future for people living with dystonia!

More information about The Dystonia Society: Dystonia UK is the only UK wide organisation driven to ensure that the 100,000 people across the country with dystonia have access to crucial information support and essential treatment. We exist to give hope and support to those living with dystonia creating UK and worldwide awareness.

100% of donations will go directly to The Dystonia Society.