Tim's Story
On New Years Eve 2012 I was rushed into hospital as the right hand side of my face had stopped working. Seeing in the New Year inside a CT Scanner was the start of my journey with facial palsy that continues with on-going treatment to this day.
Over the last decade I have been helped to manage this condition and understand its impact by a fantastic charity, Facial Palsy UK. I have also learnt how lucky I am that my condition has recovered so much that most people don’t notice my asymmetrical facial movements unless I point them out. However many people, including a lot of children, are not so lucky. Facial palsy carries a stigma and causes social/emotional issues for many, especially the young. Recovery is far from guaranteed leaving permanent and significant issues in their facial mobility. I realise I have been very lucky to have the level of recovery I have.
What is Facial Palsy?
Facial palsy can be caused by a wide variety of factors, from viruses and cancer treatment to simple accidents. It is caused by the severing or death of the facial nerve on one or both sides of the face resulting in inability to move the face as well as problems with taste and hearing. Its appearance is typically very sudden, but the recovery is never fast.
Tim's Fundraising Challenge for Facial Palsy UK
The care and support needs of those with facial palsy is often long-term and, as this is the 10th year that I have been gratefully benefiting from the support of Facial Palsy UK, I am going to attempt a small feat of endurance to raise money for them.
Starting on 24 June this year, I am attempting to ride over a 1000km, unsupported on my bike, down the coast of France from St Malo to Bilbao in Spain. I will attempt to do this in just 10 days, camping on the way. 10 days of endurance for me seems like a small price to pay for the 10 years of support that I have received from Facial Palsy UK and the money I hope to raise will help them carry on supporting other facial palsy sufferers who need their help to manage this difficult condition.
How You Can Help
I would be very grateful for any support that you may be able to offer by sponsoring the ride. All the funds raised will go to supporting those children and adults that need this charity’s help now and in the future.
Thanks in advance for your generous support, it really is very much appreciated.
I will be posting updates on my personal social media accounts that you can follow here:
With thanks and best wishes
Tim
https://www.justgiving.com/page/tim-butler-ride-france-to-spain
