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Kirsty Bailey

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£2,063 + £269.86 GiftAid

My Goal

£400

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Current

300000 steps

My Goal

I am making every step count this February for dad

2021 was one of the most difficult year of our lives! As a family we went to hell and back. On 16th March 2021 dad collapsed on me when I did a doorstep drop as mum was in hospital having her cancer removed. This was the beginning of a long and difficult journey. It took 5 horrific admittances to hospital and 4 discharges and a lot of fighting for someone to listen and see that dad hadn't just suddenly developed dementia but was in fact very poorly.  He lost the ability to talk, eat, drink and use the toilet, almost overnight. My Dad was gone and in his place was someone none of us knew! He was eventually diagnosed with NMDA Autoimmune Encephalitis. This took so long to diagnose because it is very rare. I  doing this to raise awareness of this horrific illness so no other person has to go through the hell that dad did for so long and no family has to suffer as we did trying to get help for dad! After 6 months in hospital dad was finally discharged for good. The illess continues to affect him but we have Dad back! He has been left with an acquired brain injury and every single time dad gets any illness his antibodies attack his brain yet again.

This February, I am taking part in BrainWalk and walking as far as I can to improve my own health and wellbeing and help save lives! During February half term I am planning to walk from Leighton hospital to North Staffs and back again. Dad was treated for 6 months at both of these hospitals.

I am raising money for the Encephalitis Society, a cause close to my heart.


Encephalitis is a neurological condition that can be devastating. Here are five facts you may not know: 


1. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain.

2. It is caused by an infection or through the immune system attacking the brain.

3. Anyone can be affected by encephalitis – no matter their age, gender or ethnicity.

4. It has a high death rate and survivors are often left with an acquired brain injury and life-changing consequences.

5. It is more common in many countries than motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, bacterial meningitis and cerebral palsy.

One person is diagnosed with encephalitis every minute across the world, and life for them and their loved ones will never be the same again.

Every donation I receive will go to the Encephalitis Society, helping accelerate understanding and awareness of encephalitis and ensuring that those affected by this serious neurological condition get the crucial help and support they need. Please, please help if you can. 

Kirsty xxx

My Achievements

50% of Fundraising Achieved

Reached Fundraising Target

Made a self-donation

Reached Step 50%

Reached Step Target

Updated Profile Pic

Added a Blog Post

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My Updates

Amazing day!

Thursday 24th Feb

It was the most amazing day and I'll treasure the memories forver! I just wanted to say a massive thank you to each and everyone of you for the support. I could not have done it yesterday without your messages, phone calls, beeps and waves as you went past, my mum driving backwards and forwards with everything we needed (thanks for bringing us dry coats when we got soaked mum!). The children at ABC were baking, wearing red and walking for me too and I had messages from them all day too.

Thank you to Alistair Lee for walking 27 miles with me and helping me set pace, Owen Bailey for walking 12 miles and the constant reminders that the radio would be calling soon, Paul Hollins (Carole Hollins )for walking 5 miles with us,  Nicola Phillips for walking 18 miles from Stoke to Leighton with me, Darren Bailey for joining in with the last 9 miles after he'd finished work. And Jane Lee, Margaret Underwood, Owen Bailey, Erin Hewitt and of course Lukey (who was super excited to be out walking in the dark way after bedtime)for joining us for the last 3 miles.

It was so good during those last few miles to be cheered on by Lynsey Taylor, Liv Sudlow and Steph Swedish Bavington . Then to arrive at the hospital to be cheered in by Pete Hollins, Jo Hollins, Angela Stone, Delyth Stone, Paula and Malcolm Phillips. And of course to be greeted by my dad hugging me in tears because he was so happy.

I am very blessed to have all my friends and family in my life. You are all amazing. You have helped me raise awareness of encephalitis and raise funds for research and training professionals to recognise the signs and symptoms of Encephalitis. So far you have helped me raise £1637,

Love to you all
Kirsty xxxx ❤

wow!!!

Sunday 20th Feb

Wow!!! What can I say?! I originally set out to raise awareness of Encephalitis and raise a little money towards training medical professionals to recognise the signs and symptoms of Encephalitis so that other families did not have to fight for answers for their loved ones as we did. Hopefully it will help towards researching cures for this devastating, horrific illness as lots of the treatments are new. The total on my fundraising page now stands at £1016.13!! I was shopping yesterday and got talking to a lovely lady who donated for my dad. Every share and donation means more to us than words can say. Xxxxx 

A note from my dad

Tuesday 15th Feb
Hello Folks,

Chris here again. As you know, Kirsty is soldiering on with her steps, fitting them in between all the other things she has to do.

I thought I'd take you through the next part of the encephalitis. i left it last time on the 15th March when I couldn't turn off the telly. i spent the night alone and the next day I collapsed on Kirsty when she called in. I couldn't talk intelligibly so Kirsty got the ambulance and I ended up in A&E and spent the night there and gradually my speech improved. i knew what was happening but just couldn't get past the first word.

A&E consequently sent me home but things went on to deteriorate daily. Remembering that Jane was now home after her op, what followed was a descent into madness. I was abusive to Jane, threatening to hit her which I'd never done! The Alexa failed to recognise my voice. I'd get excitable and dream up mad schemes and also become incredibly tired. So ending up in Leighton and continuing to dive into a world which I never want to see again.

Anyway folks I'll be in touch but for now I'll see ya.

Love Chris xx

A message from my Dad!

Monday 7th Feb
Hi folks, 

I'm Kirsty's dad, Chris Lee, I'm so proud of what Kirsty's doing and not surprised at all. I'm so proud of all my children and grandchildren and their granny Jane to whom I've been married for just short of 50 years.

Just a note to tell you how this all started. You would expect a whole lot of drama but I feel it started weeks before 16th March. I was in Asda, in Alsager, with Kirsty's eldest son, Owen,  when somebody called out to me and it was a very old friend, Neil Hulme, and I didn't recognise him really so I feel that I wasn't ss warm and happy as I should've been. (Incidentally if anyone knows Neil please beg my forgiveness and let him know I'm looking for him).
The next occurrence was when I was driving Jane back from Stockport hospital and had to hand over to her because I realised that my spacial awareness was edding.

On the evening of 15th March I was sat in the lounge (Jane was by then having a cancer operation) I decided to go to bed but when I went to turn off the telly I couldn't   for the life of me, press the button. 

Anyway folks that's all for now. I will write again soon. Thanks to you all for supporting the awareness of encephalitis  and my wonderful daughter.

Love Chris

Day 2

Wednesday 2nd Feb
Today I've walked 24,162 steps. By 7:10 this morning I had walked 5.9 miles. I'm not sure why the steps aren't updating on here. It says it updates every 24 hours so we'll see what it says tomorrow xx

Day one

Tuesday 1st Feb
Wow! We are completely blown away by the donations and messages of support. Dad keeps getting all overwhelmed and crying saying he can't believe it. Thank you so much to everyone. Today is day one of walking. Throughout the day I have walked 18468 steps. 

Thank you 😊

Sunday 30th Jan
I'm absolutely blown away by the support! Thank you so much everyone. I've increased my target again as my last 3 have been smashed. Thanks again.

Thank you 😊

Saturday 29th Jan
Thank you to everyone for the donations so far. You don't know how much it means! And thanks to some of my friends who have offered to join me on the walk. I aim to start this on world encephalitis day which is 22nd February. Thanks Sarah for mapping it for me. 

Thank you to my Sponsors

£106

Pen Oen

£106

Mum And Dad

You always go the extra mile (no pun intended)! As always we are so proud of you and will be with you every step of the way. We will walk with you when and as we can. Xx

£53

Lucy Moss

Fantastic Kirsty, good luck and keep going.

£53

Malcolm Phillips

£53

Ruth Darlington

£53

Lynsey Taylor

Supporting you all the way xx

£50

Peter And Jo Hollins

Well done

£50

Pat Arthur

Well done Kirsty. Heard you on radio Stoke xx

£50

Carole Hollins

£47.70

Alistair Lee

You're doing fantastic Crunch, we're all so proud of you x

£46.64

Angela Roberts

Let’s get you up to your target. Just such a wonderful thing to do. Your mum and dad and like my second parents xx

£42.40

Darren Bailey

I am so proud of you good luck today love Darren

£35

Margaret Underwood

I know you will do it. Hope to join you somewhere along the route. Good luck xx

£31.80

Lesley Lee

Keep going. So proud of you!

£31.80

Jacqui Walker

Good luck

£31.80

Martyn & Rachael Stanley

Beat of luck from Martyn & Rachael

£30

Clara Justice

Love from Clara and Sarah xx

£30

Lynne Pitt

Well done Kirsty

£26.50

Pat And Frank

£25

Martin & Beryl

Good luck Kirsty! It’s great that you are raising awareness of this little known illness. Both you Mum & Dad have a special place in our hearts. xx

£21.20

Carol Graham

Good luck on your walk Kirsty, so sorry your family have had such a horrible time. Our very best wishes to Jane and Chris xxxxx

£21.20

Alison Tighe

Well done Kirsty 🌟

£21.20

Andrew Nicklin

Congratulations and good luck for the final steps.

£21.20

Chris Dorgan

£21.20

Louise Carter

Best of luck xxxx

£21.20

Lesley Lee

So, so proud if you! xx

£21.20

Martin Bailey

Good luck

£21.20

The Underwoods

£21.20

Janet Hampton

Congratulations Kirsty ! Well done ! What an achievement xx

£21.20

Amy Hollins

Lots of love to you and your Mum & Dad xxx

£21.20

Emma Walton

What a fantastic thing you’re doing after what was such a tough year for you all. Good luck although I know you’ll smash it xx

£21.20

Mandi

Best of luck Kirsty, I have no doubt you can do this, you come from a strong bloodline xx

£21.20

Penny

Your amazing xx so proud of you xx

£21.20

Sarah Maitland

Go Kirsty, go Kirsty! Sending lots of love and luck

£21.20

Daniel Boulton

Well done Kirsty! Go and smash it. Love from Gemma, Danny and boys xx

£21.20

Jack And Elizabeth Pedley

Best wishes to you all.

£20

Kelly Percival

I'm so sorry to hear what an awful time your family have had. I hope your mum and dad are on the mend. Thank goodness your dad had you guys to challenge the misdiagnosis xxx

£20

Margaret And Michael Mason

£20

Mrs Christine Wardle

£20

Rosemary And Alan Caddy

Well done xx

£20

Joanne Wright

£20

Samantha Hughes

Absolutely 100?hind you Kirsty. Your parents must be so proud of you. Wishing you all the luck in the world to raise more awareness. Love Sam, Dave and Evan Hughes xxxx

£20

Claire Butler

£20

Bill And Angela

Well done

£20

Liz Ward

£17

Abc Edleston Holiday Club

£15.90

Anonymous

Great cause Kirsty - keep walking! All the best to your dad too

£15.90

Mandy Fitzsimmons

Good luck Kirsty! Xx

£15.90

Carina R

GO K Bailey! Papa Lee will be so proud!

£15

Annie & Damian

Best of luck Kirsty and sending much love to your dad and your mum. Please give them a big hug from us. Annie & Damian x

£10.60

Helen Jones

£10.60

Beth Black

Awesome Kirsty- an inspirational family. Keep walking x

£10.60

Elisa Mcewen

Well done Kirsty on raising awareness of this condition. You are a wonderful family and you have all looked after your Dad so well.

£10.60

Kaye Bailey

Good luck Kirsty 👏👏👏🚶‍♀️👣🚶‍♀️👣

£10.60

Joanne Moult

£10.60

Luke Bailey

£10.60

Linda Tomkinson

£10.60

Pam Vickers

Well done Kirsty a great achievement for a great cause !

£10.60

Louise Bradley

Sorry to hear what an awful time you’ve all had. Well done on completing the walk, what an amazing achievement! X x x

£10.60

Isla Murfin

Good luck ! from Isla x

£10.60

Jenny Bayley

Happy to support a good cause Kirsty! Good luck!!👍x

£10.60

Annette

£10.60

Jackie Best

Good luck on your walk xx

£10.60

Michelle Davies

£10.60

Nicola Phillips

£10.60

Sara Moyle

You are such a strong, caring, loving selfless lady. You mum&dad know that when they ever need anything any time your always there and that’s because you love them and your family. Good luck. Xx sara

£10.60

Carol Bonell

Good luck

£10.60

Hannah

So proud of you Kirsty

£10.60

Jo, Rhys And Family

Good luck Kirsty - an amazing effort for such a good cause. Your dad must be very proud.

£10.60

Jane Williams

Good luck x

£10

Nicola Ellershaw

Well done Kirsty. Fantastic achievement x

£10

Andrea Cranshaw

Well done

£10

Emma Hall

Well done

£10

Emma

Was great to see you this morning on the road to Talke. Amazing achievement. Well done!

£10

Sara Moyle - Said I'd Give Another 10 If You Did It...and You Did!!!

£10

Steph And Kayleigh

You have done absolutely amazing 🤩 we are so proud of you x

£10

Paula Leese

£10

Deb G

You are doing a fantastic job Kirsty. Well done. Sending love and hugs to you all xx

£10

Dorothy Clay

Well done

£10

Chris Lee

Proceeds from one of our books

£10

Jane Hawkins

£10

Ann Coupe

£10

Denise Wakeham

£10

Sue Price

£10

Michelle Meredith

£10

Rupeda

family is life!what a good cause,go kirsty u can do this!!

£10

Liv Sudlow

Such a lovely thing to do!! Best of luck !! Xxx

£10

Phil Lindop

£10

Victoria Edwards

Go Kirst you can do it!!! Lots of love to you all Xxx

£7.59

Vicky Green

Good luck Kirsty and big love to your Dad x

£5.60

Niccola Phillips

£5.30

Natalia!! Cverckova

£5.30

Holly Jones

Good luck xx

£5.30

Emma Morrish

£5.30

Lucy

You can do it Kirsty x

£5

Tracey Arminante

£5

Emma Sanderson

£5

Sarah, Arron And Arlo

£5

Rev. Denise Hewitson

£5

Lena Heaton

Well done Kirsty You are AMAZING XxX

£5

Karen Evans

£5

Becky Williams

£5

Doreen Palin

£5

Fred And Joan Hassall

£5

Karen Evans

£5

Sandra Hart

£5

Sue And John Bates

£5

Owen Bailey

£5

Sue And John Bates

£5

Abbie Jennings

Good Luck with the walk!!

Our Team