'I was facing a reality I never imagined' Family's mountain quest for Preston centre after Laura's diagnosis

A Lancashire family has raised £1,000 for a specialist neurological rehabilitation centre in Preston after completing 11 gruelling Lake District walks in honour of a loved one living with a life-changing neurological condition.

Stacy Long, alongside her husband Eoin and sons Niáll (5) and Ruadhán (8), took on a series of iconic Wainwright walks during a family holiday this summer to raise funds for Brainkind Neurological Centre Lancashire, where Stacy's sister Laura is currently receiving specialist rehabilitation.

The family completed an impressive 11 walks in one week, including the challenging ascent of Skiddaw, England's fourth-highest mountain, in support of Laura and others living with complex neurological conditions.

Laura's life changed dramatically in June 2026 after experiencing months of headaches, dizziness and tingling sensations. Following hospital admission, she was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Functional Non-Epileptic Seizures (FNES), Functional Movement Disorder (FMD) and Functional Limb Weakness (FLW).

The conditions have left Laura unable to walk and reliant on a wheelchair, while also experiencing seizures, paralysis, speech difficulties, vision problems, tremors and ongoing cognitive challenges.

Due to the severity of her symptoms, Laura was referred to Brainkind Neurological Centre Lancashire in Preston, where she receives 24-hour nursing care alongside intensive rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and neuropsychology support.

Laura said: "One moment I was living my normal life, making plans and looking forward to the future and the next I was facing a reality I never imagined. Arriving at Brainkind felt overwhelming. My life had changed overnight and I had no idea what my future would look like. From the moment I arrived, the team treated me as a person, not just a diagnosis.

"Through specialist nursing care, therapy and rehabilitation, they have helped me focus on what I can achieve rather than what I have lost. Having people around me who believe in me and my potential when I sometimes struggle to believe in it myself has made a huge difference."

Stacy said the family wanted to fundraise after witnessing first-hand the impact Brainkind has had on Laura's recovery.

"Each summit we reached was a tribute to the strength and determination my sister shows whilst living with a life-changing neurological condition, and to the outstanding work carried out by Brainkind every day," she said.

Reflecting on the challenge, Stacy added: "Niáll and Ruadhán pushed themselves through the challenge with determination for their Auntie Laura. They amaze us."

The £1,000 raised will help support the specialist services provided at Brainkind Neurological Centre Lancashire, enabling people with neurological conditions to access expert rehabilitation and support.

For Laura, the fundraising effort has been an emotional reminder of the support surrounding her during one of the most challenging periods of her life.

She said: "Watching my family dedicate their time and energy to raising money for the place that is helping me rebuild my future has been incredibly emotional. It means so much to know they want to give something back and help ensure that others facing life-changing neurological conditions can access the same support and opportunities that I am receiving.

"Brainkind has given me hope, confidence and belief in a future that is still worth living for. They have helped me see that although my life may be different from the one I had planned, it can still be meaningful and full of possibilities."

Laura hopes that by sharing her story she can raise greater awareness of Functional Neurological Disorder and encourage others to seek specialist support when they need it.

To support the family's fundraising efforts, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/stacy-long-4