Hi, I’m Libby, and I’m 21 years old.
Back in September 2023, my life changed almost overnight. I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), along with a few other health conditions that now affect my daily life. As my condition progressed, I eventually lost the use of my legs and became paralysed from the waist down.
With the support of Plymouth Neurophysio, I’ve been slowly regaining strength in my core and legs. One major part of my rehab has been using a standing frame — a piece of equipment that helps me bear weight through my legs, activate important muscles, and work on my balance. So far, I’ve only been able to use one during my weekly physio sessions, but the progress I’ve made has been amazing.
To keep improving, I need regular access to a standing frame at home. Unfortunately, these aren’t cheap — they cost around £5656 and aren't available through NHS provision in my case. I’m fundraising to buy one myself, so I can build on the hard work I’ve already started and hopefully take the next steps — quite literally — towards walking again.
This equipment would allow me to:
- Move my legs more regularly
- Strengthen and tone my hips and legs
- Improve my core balance and postural control
- Increase my chances of purposeful movement and standing independently again
To help raise money, I’m taking on a “Marathon in a Month” challenge — completing 26.2 miles in my wheelchair over August. Due to fatigue and other symptoms, I’ll be doing this gradually across the month, bit by bit.
When I hopefully no longer need the standing frame, I will be donating this to someone else who needs it in aid of their own rehab journey.
If you’re able to donate — no matter how small — it would mean the world to me. If you’re not in a position to contribute financially, just sharing this page would help more than you know.
Thank you so much for reading and supporting me on this journey.
— Libby