A young woman suffering from a neurological disorder which means she needs constant care is pushing for a better understanding of the condition.
Kate Bidwell, from Dorchester, says there is too little awareness of FND (functional neurological disorder), a problem with the functioning of the nervous system which is thought to be a result of the brain’s inability to send and receive signals.
Kate, who spends most of her time in a wheelchair, has been suffering with the condition for around two years. She has seizures every day and is forced to live with reduced mobility and chronic pain.
The 19-year-old said: “It started with seizures and then it started to affect my mobility. Sometimes I can walk normally and sometimes can’t at all.
“There’s very little awareness about it. Some doctors are lovely but lots of them tell me I am making it up or it’s all in my head.
“I have to go to London to get any form of treatment but there’s a two year waiting list for it. The quicker you start treatment the more likely it is that you will recover.”
A lack of independence means Kate feels “left behind” as she watches her friends begin courses at university.
She continued: “I had to do an extra year at school because I missed so much. I haven’t been to university, I was meant to go two years ago but I couldn’t.
“I can’t be left on my own because my seizures are daily, I can’t go out on my own because I need a carer with me. I need help with everything really.”
To raise awareness of the disorder, Kate organised a rollerthon in Weymouth which saw family and friends gather on bikes, scooters and roller skates to raise money for the charity FND Hope UK. Starting at Cafe Oasis at Bowleaze Coveway, the group rolled along The Esplanade to Stone Pier at Nothe Parade, collecting donations and handing out flyers.
“Things have to change for those who suffer from FND,” Kate said.
A national petition calling for better funding for multi-disciplinary treatment centres for FND patients has received more than 7,000 signatures. It can be found at petition.parliament.uk/petitions/229614
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