Help James fight MS with life-changing treatment

James’ Story

 

James is 29 years old with his whole life ahead of him. An active, healthy guy, James has been a lover of all things outdoors; most at home with any kind of board beneath his feet. His passion and talent for wakeboarding in particular was something that James lived for until August 2021, when a spinal impact injury turned his and his family’s world upside down.

 

Unbeknown to James, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) had been lying dormant in his system. Since his accident last summer, this debilitating disease has been holding his quality of life and his future to ransome.

 

Over the course of this year, James has been in continuous decline. With impeded balance he frequently falls and more recently the deterioration has progressed to his right eye, significantly impairing his vision. With this worrying combination of symptoms, Birmingham Eye Hospital was then able to diagnose him.

 

Within 8 months, the progressive nature of MS has taken James from a picture of health, to being physically unstable, causing real fears of permanent wheelchair status in the future. Whilst being well documented for its degenerative nature, the speed at which the disease is taking hold is also having a significant impact on James’ mental health.

 

Fixing James

 

We are fortunate that the NHS diagnosed James’ condition within the first 12 months, significantly improving his odds of fighting the disease head-on. The most superior course of action for MS is Stem Cell Therapy, a radical procedure which works by wiping out his immune system through chemotherapy and rebuilding it via stem cell transplant. Though there are no guarantees with MS, this therapy is James’ best chance at stopping the disease and giving James his life back.

 

Unfortunately, Stem Cell Therapy is not currently available for James on the NHS. Due to the current NHS protocol, James must suffer several years of decline before this would be made available to him. MS is a time-sensitive disease and given his quick deterioration, the lottery of waiting to see how bad his condition gets leaves us no option but to seek this treatment abroad.

 

One of the most pioneering and trusted locations for Stem Cell Therapy is Mexico, where James and his partner are currently in advanced discussions with medical consultants. The intensive treatment takes place over the course of a month, where medical professionals will work with him around the clock to monitor his recovery.

 

Like any overseas treatment, this comes at a cost. This is why his family and friends are working together to raise the necessary £50,000.

 

 

When the Supporter needs Supporting.

 

James’ story is made all the more harrowing and time critical when told in the context of his life.

 

Over a year ago James and his partner of 10 years, Hazel, moved in to live with James’ Grandmother who is in the advanced stages of dementia and have since been proactive in helping to care for her. They stepped up to this commitment despite James’ parents falling ill in quick succession. Firstly, his Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and more recently, his Mum who is currently battling breast cancer.

 

This pledge comes from James’ lifelong group of friends. James is a person who has always been generous with his time and always been the first to help others in need. Now it is his time to be supported. We ask you to help us in this fight for James’ future by donating whatever you're able to, and spreading awareness about this campaign.

 

All money raised will go towards the payment of this life-changing therapy. Anything made over and above our target will be paid forwards to other MS fundraisers and charities. For those who want to donate, we will be documenting James’ progress via a private Facebook group. A link to that will be shared for you to follow when it is up and running.

 

We thank you wholeheartedly for your generosity.

 

Sincerely,

 

Friends and Family of James.