Our History

Cauda Equina Champions Charity was officially given charity status on January 10th 2020

Today’s charity has evolved from The Cauda Equina Syndrome Association CIC, a non-profit founded by Claire Thornber in 2013. Our History

Following her own complete cauda equina syndrome injury Claire struggled to access the services and support she needed for her rehabilitation.

She was discharged from the hospital in retention of urine, without catheters and within 7 days had suffered a prolapse.

A phone call to the hospital resulted only in a gift bag containing catheters left for her collection from the urology ward.

Determined to take control of her own rehabilitation Claire fought for the follow up appointments and services she needed from the NHS.

After joining a Facebook group it became apparent she was not alone. There were many people experiencing the same. Lives were being changed forever and nobody had any advice, or seemed to care.

Claire set up a dedicated Facebook support group to share all the information she had learnt and the valuable experiences of other members. Steven Smith – Charity Treasurer and Men’s Group mentor was a founding member and still volunteers his time today to help other members.

From a group of 60 people it has now developed to a membership of over 2,500 people around the world. Members support each other, at whichever stage of their CES journey they may be.

The charity now works alongside medical professionals to help improve pathways, raise awareness and deliver training.

Cauda Equina Champions Charity is proud to be a patient led charity, the staff and volunteers have all been touched by cauda equina syndrome and work hard to change outcomes for the future.

Although it has been a long road to get to where we are today, it is just the beginning of our story ……..

Latest

Cauda Equina Champions Support Group Meeting South - Crawley

Come and join us for our first face to face support group meeting since lockdown. We are meeting at our charity partners - Rapidcare, new head offices and will be talking all things CES as well as filming for our new charity video. Come along and enjoy meeting new friends and a spot of lunch too!
Bolt Burdon Kemp

Our dedicated Spinal Injury team only represent those with a spinal injury claim, and have extensive experience in representing clients in cases involving a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome. We understand, not only the life-changing nature of this condition, but also the lack of understanding that surrounds the condition – not just for you but also for your loved ones.
Champions Connect Home Delivery Service from Rapidcare

Cauda Equina Champions Charity are proud to announce a new partnership with Rapidcare Home Delivery service. Our bespoke new service enables our members to access an independent home delivery service for all their continence and stoma supplies. We have carefully chosen this family run company to ensure our members get continence support from an independent company ensuring integrity and transparency for our members.
Tegan's story - Living with a parent with a disability

Tegan is 15 years old, when she was 13 her Mum was diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome. Tegan tells her story on what it's like living with a parent with a disability and offers advice to other children in the same situation.

Tegan's story - Living with a parent with a disability

Tegan is 15 years old, when she was 13 her Mum was diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome. Tegan tells her story on what it's like living with a parent with a disability and offers advice to other children in the same situation.
CES made simple

Cauda Equina is taken from the Latin name and means "Horse's tail". The name describes the bundle of nerves roots that emerge from the end of the spinal cord, resembling a horse's tail. These nerve roots serve the bladder, bowels, sexual function and lower limbs. The syndrome occurs when the nerves are compressed and cause a set of symptoms called "The Red Flags".
Our services

Cauda Equina Champions Charity offer a range of bespoke, tailor made services for people who have had a cauda equina syndrome diagnosis to help them adjust to a new way of life and live their best lives. These include support group meetings, a helpline 03335 777113, peer support services, information, education and well being services.
Tozers Solicitors

We are a specialist team of Cauda Equina Syndrome Solicitors who have been conducting high value complex Clinical Negligence and PI claims, including spinal injuries for 25 years.
Champions Connect Home Delivery Service from Rapidcare

Cauda Equina Champions Charity are proud to announce a new partnership with Rapidcare Home Delivery service. Our bespoke new service enables our members to access an independent home delivery service for all their continence and stoma supplies. We have carefully chosen this family run company to ensure our members get continence support from an independent company ensuring integrity and transparency for our members.
Leigh Day Solicitors

Leigh Day has one of the country’s largest and most well-respected medical negligence teams. Our lawyers are experienced in running complex and challenging cases and have been bringing successful compensation claims for spinal injuries, including cauda equina, for over 30 years.
One Million Steps for Cauda Equina Syndrome

Join us for a group fundraiser - One Million Steps for CES. Everyone welcome whatever your ability to walk, every step counts!
What we do

As a patient led charity "Cauda Equina Champions" strive to raise awareness of all issues surrounding the condition. We provide education and support to service users, their loved ones and healthcare professionals.
Royds Withy King

Royds Withy King offers specialist initial advice to those affected by Cauda Equina Syndrome on a confidential, free of charge basis, and we are very proud to working to ensure that the best legal help is available to pursue claims for compensation where appropriate.
Bolt Burdon Kemp

Our dedicated Spinal Injury team only represent those with a spinal injury claim, and have extensive experience in representing clients in cases involving a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome. We understand, not only the life-changing nature of this condition, but also the lack of understanding that surrounds the condition – not just for you but also for your loved ones.