The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A Spalding man has launched an appeal for funding to help him potentially return to leading a normal life.
Jake White suffered a life-changing stroke three years ago when he collapsed in front of his fiancée Karen Murfet and their daughter Tia.
It was discovered that Jake had suffered a brain-stem stroke which left him with locked-in syndrome.
This means he is effectively imprisoned in his own body as, while his mind, memory and reason are intact, he cannot move any of his limbs and is paralysed.
However, in recent weeks, Jake has been trialling a new piece of equipment – the Thera Trainer, which is a hand and leg bike that provides the repetitive stimulation and movement necessary to promote brain activity needed for physical movements of his limbs.
Over the two-month trial period, there has been noticeable improvement in movements of both arms and legs.
But the trial period ends next month so Jake is appealing for fundraising to help buy the £6,000 piece of equipment.
Karen explained: “What happened to Jake has left him house-bound, completely changing his life and has been devastating for the whole family.
“Prior to this Jake was an active man, working 50-60 hours a week and rarely taking any sick leave.
“The consultants at the time felt it was touch and go if he would survive as his prognosis was very poor.
“But Jake continues to work hard at his physio. He continues to have feeling all over his body and the neurophysiotherapists who are working closely with him are positive about the steady progress he is making.
“There has been a noticeable improvement during the time we’ve had the bike on trial, but we have to return it next month.
“If we can raise enough to purchase the bike then it will allow Jake to continue to improve movement of his arms and legs and potentially allow him to lead a normal life.”
Jake has set up a fundraising website – www.gofundme.com/jakewhite – for anyone wishing to make donations.
