In memory of Martin Tyler

This thread is intricate stick with me.

My wife's uncle, Martin, recently died from a very rare form of Encephalitis. Encephalitis is a group of diseases about which little is known. It is an inflammation of the brain that comes on suddenly and produces serious neurological disease. It can have a variety of causes of which virus infection is the most frequent and important.

In at least half of the cases of encephalitis, they do not know the cause; and accurate information on both the causes and the true incidence of encephalitis in the UK is not available and is urgently needed.

Martin had Voltage Gated Potassium Channel (VGKC) Antibodies Encephalitis, originally it was diagnosed as dementia in November 2010, as the early symptoms of this form of Encephalitis are very similar to types of dementia, however the presentation of dementia wasn’t standard and following further tests in March 2011 the diagnosis was changed to VGKC.

The Acute Neurology Unit (ANU) at Salford Royal Hospital tried many different treatments, unfortunately they were not successful.  Martin Tyler

Martin will be sadly missed and leaves a large hole in many people's lives.  My cousin subsequently challenged her "Facebook Friends" to get involved in supporting the Encephalitis Society.  That would be easy (organise dress down day at work £60, buy a calendar £10 and other such "easy" actions I warbled to myself)

I had been musing about getting fit over the last few months of 2011 but hadn't really put anything into motion (pun intended) but (web) surfing over the Christmas period and a click later I had found that the Great North Run was happening in September 2012.  (Hmmm I always fancied doing a 1/2 marathon)

Some further clicking on the Encephalitis Society's website Website found that they were looking for runners to represent them in the event and raise much needed funds in their quest to support Encephalitis sufferers, their families and research.  Further investigation founds that I had been following Encephalitis Society's CEO on twitter (and she me for some time thanks to our connection via  The Yorkshire Mafia Linked In Group). 

It seemed like there were jigsaw pieces ready to be put together.  Along with another cousin and support of the Encephalitis Society we submitted our application to secure a place.  We still await a decision to see if we will secure a place - watch this space!

So this week saw my first trip to the gym.  My instructor, Karl (Barnsley Premier Leisure), encouraged me greatly in the ability to achieve my goal (running the Great North Run) and I am confident that he will get me match fit. 

What are my priorities?

So keep following the Warblings to see how I get on during my training, and if you fancy it you could sponsor me (i will set up a just giving page in due course). 


Alternatively why not visit the Encephalitis Society Website and see if you can make a difference by getting involved.  I am sure they would love to have your support.