This is my friend Emma.

She is one of the most inspirational, generous, thoughtful and amusing people I know. A year ago we were hanging out in our camper vans on beaches and planning a 40th birthday party in a field with music and dancing. Well she’s about to turn 40, and due to a condition called Functional neurological disorder (FND), she can’t take a step unaided.

Functional neurological disorder is probably the most common neurological condition you have never heard off. It's where communication between the brain and the body stops working as it should causing a huge range of symptoms including movement disorders, seizures and sensory conditions. An easy way to think of it as if your smart phone is working but the apps are glitching. There is little research, understanding and no current care plan by NHS England

Emmas condition has deteriorated significantly over the last year, and now everyday things we take for granted are incredibly difficult for her. Unable to work full time and having to work from home, no independence to go out alone and currently unsafe to drive, at 39 these symptoms are unbelievable life changing and frustrating. Imagine if in a few short months you found yourself unable to climb the stairs, or walk unaided, or use a pen to write. And she keeps working to advocate for vulnerable women! And keeps being a voice of reason at the end of the phone for so many! And somehow manages to be an epic single parent to two brilliant children in the midst of it all. Her resilience and humour throughout the whole experience has been humbling to witness.

Emma is accessing all the treatments available to her locally but yet is still declining in her movement daily. Her next step is to look at privately funding a neuro rehabilitation centre out of area, potentially out of the country. Here they would do over 4 hours a day specific exercises based on neuro science about reestablishing the correct neuro pathways to get her literally back on her feet securely. But it’s not cheap.

If any money raised isn't needed by Emma due to some miracle or the NHS offerings working their magic all money received will go to support FND hope