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  1. About us
  2. Our history

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 ……..

Published: 20th August, 2020

Updated: 21st October, 2020

Author: Will Rossi

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Latest

  • JMW Solicitors LLP

    JMW Solicitors LLP

    JMW Solicitors specialise in helping patients who have been injured by poor medical treatment of cauda equina syndrome to challenge the mistakes that were made and secure the compensation needed to cope with their disabilities.

  • Irwin Mitchell

    Irwin Mitchell

    As the largest, dedicated medical negligence law firm in the UK we understand that cauda equina syndrome is a serious condition that has to be treated quickly and correctly.

  • Champions Coffee & Conversation: Nottingham

    Champions Coffee & Conversation: Nottingham

    Come along to our Champions Coffee & Conversation support group meeting on the 29th June. Meet new friends and discuss CES over a coffee.

  • Resources

    Cauda Equina Aftercare Essentials Guide

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    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

    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.

  • Storm Keating  - Charity Ambassador

    Storm Keating - Charity Ambassador

    We are extremely proud to announce Storm Keating has joined Champions Charity as our second celebrity Ambassador.

  • Duncan James - Charity Ambassador

    Duncan James - Charity Ambassador

    Duncan James, member of British boy band "Blue", actor and theatre star has become the charities first ever Ambassador. As a former Cauda Equina patient, the charity is very close to Duncan's heart. He is passionate about helping people affected by this condition.

  • Our team

    Our team is made up of former cauda equina patients and healthcare professionals who are passionate about changing the CES landscape. We are always available to help and support anyone affected by cauda equina syndrome.

  • 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.

  • Become a member of our Facebook support group

    Become a member of our Facebook support group

    Become a member of our Facebook group and connect with over 2,500 people around the world who live with CES

  • The difference we make

    We campaign in many different ways to raise the profile of Cauda Equina Syndrome. Our members have secured coverage in the press and we were successful in getting cauda equina syndrome on to BBC News recently

  • Psychosexual Therapy Service

    Psychosexual Therapy Service

    Champions Charity are extremely proud to announce our new Psychosexual Therapy service for people experiencing sexual dysfunction following a cauda equina injury.

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8 Poplar Way
Barrow, Clitheroe
BB7 9ZN 

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Helpline: 03335 777 113

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Charity No. 1187294