CJD sufferer walks the Dalesway this weekend for charity

An 81 mile charity walk for this hero and his son and 2 cocker spaniels this weekend

Dave Richardson's life has been overshadowed by a fatal disease CJD, that was injected into him by his mother through the growth hormone. Doctors say he has dodged a bullet as he is a survivor. 

He is setting off on a 81-mile charity walk on Friday to raise awareness of this horrific disease for which there is no cure and raise money for the CJD support network. He has already raised beyond his target of £1500. Joining him will be his son Jack, Kieran and his 2 dogs Mable and Beryl.   They are stopping at Masons campsite Appletreewick tonight (Friday), then Kettlewell tomorrow, then Oughtershaw, then sent, then Grayrigg, then finish at Bowness on Wednesday. 

His story is a remarkable one, which after keeping quiet for so long, he has shared his story in the CJD support network newsletter and he is doing all he can to help those affected and raise awareness.  Dave was given growth hormone injections three times a week by his mother from the age of 11 up until he was 21. In his 30s he was contacted by his professor and was told his injections were potentially infected with CJD (Cruetzfeldt Jakob disease). 

CJD is a fatal disease, attacking the brain known as spongilosis and people become immobile, unable to speak and deteriorate rapidly and individuals generally pass within 3-6 weeks.

This affected his mother and himself deeply. It had a huge impact on his mental health and for years he has had to live with the strong possibility he could contract this horrific fatal disease.  Dave's mum put her trust in the NHS to help her son. This led to unwanted media attention with the BSE crisis in 1996.

Now in his late fifties, he is still a survivor and seems to be one of few if any. He helps with research and gives spinal fluid which helps medical science to find a cure. It is too often misdiagnosed as dementia or Alzehimers and by then it is far too late for the right medical care. 

This disease destroys lives so quickly and leaves families distraught and misled. 

There is a drug in development called PRN 100 that has shown positive results with dementia and alzehimers and most importantly CJD.  However, the government will not fund the production of this drug, even though it could save lives including Dave. 

Dave is doing all he can to create awareness and raise money for this fatal disease. The CJD support network helps with advice and diagnosis and special palative care and helps families come to terms with this loss. 

Dave has set up a YouTube channel called My CJD where he will be posting daily video diaries along the walk.   You can follow him here: 81 mile charity walk. for CJD NETWORK. With my son and my 2 cocker spaniels. 18th August 23