A local team is lacing up their walking boots this May to raise both awareness and vital funds for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)—a debilitating condition that has turned the life of former teacher and mum-of-two, Gemma Castledine, upside down.
Gemma, once a confident, active teacher with a full family life, was forced to take ill-health retirement at just 40 years old after being diagnosed with FND—a disorder that disrupts how the brain sends and receives signals, often resulting in life-altering symptoms like seizures, tremors, and temporary paralysis.
“I’ve gone from loving my teaching career and family life to being completely dependent on my family for everyday tasks,” Gemma explains. “It’s been an incredibly difficult few years.”
To raise awareness and support for others living with this misunderstood condition, Gemma’s team—Team Teach FND—will take on a 21-mile charity walk on Saturday 3rd May, raising funds for FND Hope UK, a charity that provides support, advocacy, and research into this challenging condition.
Despite battling symptoms daily—including constant pain, difficulty speaking, tremors and paralysis—Gemma has channelled her energy into creating positive change. “I now dedicate my time to raising awareness,” she says. “We need to get FND known. People need to understand what it is, and that it doesn’t define a person.”
What Is FND?
Functional Neurological Disorder is the second most common reason for neurology referrals in the UK, yet it remains widely misunderstood. It affects the brain’s ability to control the body, causing serious physical symptoms—without structural damage to the brain itself. There is currently no known cure, and treatments vary from person to person.
“Durham is one of the few areas in the UK with a dedicated FND service, which has been a lifeline,” Gemma shares.
Gemma’s determination to raise awareness is not only helping others better understand FND but also bringing much-needed visibility to a hidden illness that affects thousands.
✅ How You Can Help
- Support the team: JustGiving – Team Teach FND
- Learn more about FND: fndaction.org.uk
- Follow their journey: Visit their Facebook page
This walk isn’t just about raising money—it’s about making FND visible, and giving hope to others living with it.
