Support Lee's Fight Against Multiple Sclerosis

Dear Friends, Family, and Dedicated Supporters,

We are reaching out to you for support, as my dad relentlessly battles multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition that has horrifically changed our lives. My dad is a compassionate man, who has been house-bound for 8 years and is in constant debilitating pain and spasms, making loneliness, frustration, and depression a part of his life. Made worse by inadequate healthcare and a lack of proper adjustments to his home. The services that care for him have let him severely deteriorate, and so I’m trying to raise the funds to make his life more bearable. Anything you can donate will be very gratefully received and will make a difference.

In his own words, ‘the pain is so unbearable that, unless there is a compelling reason to be up’ he will try to ‘sleep to escape the torment and pain'. Lesions in his back cause relentless spasms in his shoulder blade muscles and the area around his spine, leaving his back tense and his shoulders feeling constantly dislocated. Additionally, he suffers from severe arthritis in his neck, spine, and hips, and has a few slipped discs and lower spine problems. Medical professionals acknowledge the severity of his excruciating pain and have prescribed the strongest pain medication available.

Dad’s story

My dad dedicated himself to making a profound impact on the lives of young, disadvantaged people. Coming from a very difficult childhood and background himself, he formed a community project called SEND that trained and supported hundreds of young people through a range of creative activities, to help them change the direction of their lives.

He was recognised for helping to improve the lives of 1000’s of young people, particularly those who had not been able to fit into mainstream education and were vulnerable to harmful lifestyles. Dad’s illness prevented him from continuing his work, but he remains a beacon of encouragement, ideas, and advice for those around him.

Also, my dad has always been involved in the dance music scene. From organising big free party raves in the early ‘90s to DJing and producing tracks on international music labels, his love for music has helped sustain him throughout his illness, and he still produces what music he can from his home, although he struggles to be wheelchair bound and in constant severe pain.

My Story.

Due to my personal experiences and witnessing my dad's struggles, I actively support the Carers Federation and have dedicated myself to healthcare and medicine, aiming to make a positive impact on people's lives. I also work with an innovative company, Digit Learning, which promotes inclusion and accessibility through music technology.

During the pandemic, I acquired a traumatic brain disorder and breaks in my jaw when my mother and I were unprovokedly attacked in our local park. Despite the challenges, I maintained a positive mindset due to my determination to become a nurse and support my dad.

I am grateful for my overall well-being, although I do still experience symptoms. Every day, I draw inspiration not only from my dad but also from witnessing friends and mentors making a difference. Improving accessibility for my dad was constantly on my mind. This inspired me to start this GoFundMe campaign, to put in place adaptations and medical treatments that can help dad get some relief from his suffering and live a more fulfilling life.

Appeal for assistance

The financial burden of dad’s numerous conditions is overwhelming for the family. The need for private healthcare is urgent, however, because we cannot afford it, he progressively gets worse. We find ourselves desperately in need of support from our community and loved ones.

Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a tangible difference in his life, allowing us to access crucial medical treatments, obtain assistive devices, and make necessary modifications to our home to accommodate his needs.

We are grateful to have the support of Phlexx Records and Mimm Studios, who are planning a music event to help raise money, and Chris Payne and Kane Ashmore, who are taking on the challenge of the sponsored 20 mile mighty deerstalker night-time race in December to help raise funds.

More fundraising events will be announced soon.

Tiers and Fundraising Goals

We hope to raise a total of £9100

We wish to use any donations in the following manner.

Tier 1: Spine specialist consultations + transport costs - £500 + recovery plan costs (currently unknown)

Tier 2: Biweekly chiropodist sessions - £960

Tier 3: Wheelchair accessible table – £1200

Tier 4: Re-adapting house features – £1400

Tier 5: Power of Attorney – £100

Tier 6: Biweekly specialist Masseuse sessions – £1920

Tier 7: Garden accessibility and improvement – £800

Contingency costs = £250

Tiers in Detail:

Tier 1: Spine specialist consultation appointment and transport - First appointment quote: £250. Further consultation costs and recovery plan to be determined based on initial consultation.

Tier 2: Biweekly chiropodist sessions to ensure foot care and prevent infections.

Tier 3: Wheelchair accessible table - A sturdy, wipeable table for multiple activities, allowing easier access for dad without needing to reach forward.

Tier 4: Making the house more accessible - Includes strain-free paint, a fold-down table, door modifications, shelf installations, carpet replacement, easy switches, window treatment, CCTV, and Polyfilla. Costs for specific items are yet to be determined.

Tier 5: Power of Attorney - Quote for legal assistance in establishing power of attorney.

Tier 6: Biweekly Masseuse sessions to alleviate pain.

Tier 7: Garden accessibility and improvement - Simple modifications to improve garden access.

Dream Tier 8: Travel fund - Potential travel opportunities for a small respite holiday.

Thank You!

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for considering supporting our cause. We truly appreciate your compassion, and we are forever grateful for your support.

With heartfelt thanks,

Danny and Lee