MADAM,

As new research conducted by YouGov reveals only seven per cent of Brits are aware of the neurological condition Post Polio Syndrome (PPS), as CEO of The British Polio Fellowship this highlights for me what is now an urgent need for more support for those living with PPS from public and the medical community alike.

Out of 2,034 people polled nationally, PPS achieved the lowest awareness rating by some distance when compared with other neurological conditions. Tellingly, in contrast to only seven per cent saying they had heard of PPS, 86 per cent had heard of Parkinson’s disease. The results are shocking but confirm what we have suspected for some time and show how much work our charity still needs to do to ensure the community of Polio survivors in the UK do not become Polio’s forgotten footnote.

My frustration stems from the fact that PPS affects an estimated 120,000 people in the UK, a figure believed to be similar to the number of people suffering from Parkinson’s and other serious neurological conditions so surely it is not too much to ask that PPS receives the same attention from the medical profession and the public? We aim to help those who live with the late effects of Polio and PPS by providing information, welfare resources and support. We don’t receive any government funding and we desperately need funds to conduct medical research into PPS, which would help our members better manage the condition in later life.

If you are interested in getting involved or need our support please call us on 0800 043 1935, email at [email protected] or visit the website at www.britishpolio.org.uk

Ted Hill MBE

(CEO, The British Polio Fellowship)