Who are we?

ABIGAIL BISHOP-LAGGETT

Abigail is a public relations and government affairs professional who is experienced in supporting healthcare organisations raise awareness of complex or lesser-known conditions. Abigail works with a range of organisations from international pharmaceutical companies to local charities, with particular experience in neurological conditions and improving care for the thousands of people in the UK impacted by conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Abigail specialises in government and NHS engagement, making the case for policy change to improve care for these often under-prioritised conditions.

Abigail joined our Board of Trustees in November 2020, after learning about the impact of FND through our online community and website. Abigail is passionate about increasing understanding and awareness of FND and achieving greater recognition in the health system so that individuals, families and carers can feel better supported and heard.

BRIDGET MILDON

Bridget Mildon, is President and Founder of FND Hope. FND Hope is the first non-profit organization specifically for those diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder and related illnesses. A proponent of FND patient rights, Bridget is an active voice for FND patients.  Her diverse experience and knowledge have cultivated into a unique perspective for those facing medical uncertainty and battling the challenges of living with Functional Neurological Disorder.

ROBERT WILSON THOMAS

Robert is a proud Welshman, something he rarely lets people forget. He has been a practicing barrister-at-law since 1977, before which he read for a degree in chemical engineering. His legal practice started in intellectual property (on which he is the co-author of a number of reference books) then developed into licensing technology, mostly in a hi-tech environment, complex international commercial contracts, international law, telecommunications and data protection.

He developed Functional Neurological Disorder, rapid onset, following a major chemical clash and two cardiac arrests, after an operation to remove a tumour on his kidney, in late 2016.

Robert is no stranger to long-term and life-changing illness. He is not ashamed to admit that he has been bipolar, probably since his mid-teens, although he was formally diagnosed only in 1989. He also has lived with Type 1 diabetes since 1996. Both these conditions are well controlled. He survived major surgery for neck and throat cancer in 2006 and was pronounced cancer free in mid-2018.

JOYCE DAVIES

Joyce had completed a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Liverpool and worked as Consultant Clinical Psychologist in the NHS until she became ill in her late forties. Joyce was diagnosed with FND in 2017 by Professor Jon Stone, including Complex PTSD. Joyce is a mother to 3 daughters, one a Staff nurse in Haematology, one a junior doctor and the youngest a medical student. Joyce has been married for 25 Years and has held many positions in her career as Head of Services and at Consultant level.

Joyce is actively involved in Politics and is now the Neurodiversity Education Officer within the SNP Executive Disabled Members Group. Joyce has previously been a Trustee at the Shetland Arts and has exhibited art within Scotland and Internationally. Joyce is currently studying Art at university of the Highlands and Islands and is qualified in both mental health nursing and also learning disabilities.

Joyce joined our Board of Trustees in September and is very keen to make a difference to those diagnosed with FND, by raising awareness in Scotland.

RICHARD NEWLAND

Richard is the CEO and founder of AIMCommunity, a Creative Arts Education and Mentoring charity working in BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) and Dorset providing creativity based learning opportunities for young people aged 8-19 who are struggling in, or no longer attend, mainstream education. Previously he has worked in a variety of youth work roles including as Social Inclusion Manager for The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland as well as Homeless Services Manager in Bournemouth. He also has a Masters Degree in Youth and Community Work in which he researched the impact of Positive Youth Development Models on young people.

Richard is married to Alison, who has had FND for the last few years, and they have a daughter and two sons. He is a photographer, digital artist and also does a bit of animation when he gets the time. A huge AFC Bournemouth fan (despite relegation), he has been involved in local grassroots youth football and was the Dorset FA Manager of the Year in 2019 for his work with his Longfleet Youth Football Club Under 14s.

DR. CHRIS SYMEON

Chris is a consultant neuropsychiatrist at St George’s University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. He undertook his undergraduate medical training at St Bart’s and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry; followed by his specialist training in adult psychiatry on the South London and Maudsley training scheme and MSc in Neuroscience from Kings College London.

He is the clinical lead for the multidisciplinary FND rehabilitation programme within the Wolfson Service. He has an interest in digital health, leading to the creation of the myFND App, aiming to support patients with understanding and self-management of the condition. He understands the issues that so many patient’s face with access to appropriate healthcare resources, and he is passionate about developing services to allow patients with FND to access high quality treatment in a timely way.