Support Harvey's Journey: Health & Independence

Aim

Help Harvey access specialist FND treatment, rebuild independence, improve quality of life and find his way back to music.

My journey with FND

My name is Harvey Stansfield. Music, faith and friendship have shaped my life, and for many years I have been fortunate enough to pursue my vocation as an organist.

In March 2025, my life changed dramatically when I developed significant difficulties with my mobility and other neurological symptoms. Following investigations and specialist assessment, I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

FND is a genuine neurological condition that affects how the brain and nervous system function. It can affect movement, speech and other aspects of everyday life. Although my investigations did not show the structural damage initially suspected, the difficulties I experience are very real and have had a profound impact on my independence.

For me, FND has meant being unable to use my legs as I once did, struggling with walking and mobility, and experiencing other symptoms that can make communication and everyday activities challenging. Even relatively small outings can leave me needing considerable time to recover.

One of the most difficult changes has been stepping away from my work as an organist. Music has never simply been a job to me. It is closely connected with my faith, my identity and my sense of purpose. Being unable to play as I once did has left a significant gap in my life.

Despite everything, I still have hopes and ambitions for the future. I want to work towards greater independence, discover what improvement may be possible, and find a way to reconnect with the music and activities that mean so much to me.

Why I am raising funds

I am raising money to help me access the specialist treatment, rehabilitation and practical support that I need to manage FND and work towards improving my quality of life.

Accessing appropriate specialist care for FND treatment can be challenging, and I want to explore the options best suited to my needs as there is currently very little help in the NHS.

Donations will help towards:

Specialist FND treatment and rehabilitation tailored to my symptoms and individual needs.

Mobility equipment and practical adaptations that can help me navigate daily life more safely and independently.

Care and support where I need additional help with everyday activities.

Travel to appointments and other costs associated with accessing appropriate treatment and support.

Every contribution will help towards these needs and give me greater opportunities to access the support I need. It will also allow me to have a better quality of life.

What your support would mean to me

This fundraiser is about more than treatment. It is about having the opportunity to move forward after a period of life that has been incredibly difficult.

I would love to regain greater independence, enjoy more of everyday life, spend time out and about with the people I love, and explore the possibility of returning to the organ, even if that looks different from how it did before.

I understand that progress with FND can be unpredictable. I cannot promise a particular outcome, but I want to give myself the best possible chance of improvement and make the most of whatever progress may be possible.

My faith has remained an important part of my life throughout this experience, and so has the support of my partner, Charlotte, my family, my friends and the wider musical community. Their kindness has helped me through some very difficult days.

If you are able to donate, I would be deeply grateful. No donation is too small, and if you cannot contribute financially, sharing this fundraiser would also make a real difference.

I also hope that by sharing my experience, I can help more people understand Functional Neurological Disorder and the impact it can have on someone's life.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for your kindness, and for helping me take the next step.

With heartfelt thanks,

Harvey

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 13th December 2026 at 2:27pm