Paul George from South Shields, who has battled multiple sclerosis (MS) for over a decade, has moved a significant step closer to accessing life-changing treatment, following a £14,000 boost to his fundraising.
Heating & Plumbing merchant, Flame Heating Group, has donated the money, which was raised over the course of 2017, after learning of Paul’s condition and hope for a better quality of life.
Paul is hoping to raise £40,000 to access stem cell transplant therapy abroad that can halt the progression of the condition completely through chemotherapy, which clears a patient’s immune system and resets it using their own stem cells.
Paul, 40, has managed to raise £34,000 to date, which includes Flame’s donation.
Flame reached out to Paul after being put in touch with him through one of his friends, Jimmy Bell, who is Director of Flame’s Newcastle trade counter.
Paul was just 30 when he was diagnosed with MS after noticing his sight was blurred while driving to work, and rushed to hospital.
Paul George said: “Accessing this treatment has the ability to significantly improve my quality of life, and words can’t describe how grateful I am to John and Flame for their support. The donation is a massive boost and puts me another step closer to achieving my goal.
“I am now more than half of the way towards hitting my fundraising total and I have been overwhelmed by everyone’s support, which has meant so much to me and my entire family.”
John Savage, Managing Director of Flame Heating Group, said: “Paul has shown great courage and strength throughout his battle and hopefully our support will go a long way to him reaching his target. It is important to us to give something back to help others, and as soon as we heard about Paul’s situation I was more than happy to get on board.
“I’d urge other businesses and people to support Paul’s appeal to help him get over the line and access this life-changing treatment.”
Flame Heating Group operates eight trade counters across the North East, including one in South Shields, on Rekendyke Industrial Estate.
For more information about Paul’s story or to donate to his cause, visit https://uk.gofundme.com/hsct-fundraising