GUILLAIN-BARRÉ SYNDROME

That this House notes that 2016 marks the centenary of the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS); acknowledges that GBS affects 1,500 people in the UK every year; recognises that although 80 per cent of all of those who are affected make a full recovery, between 12 and 15 per cent are left with severe residual effects and between five and eight per cent die as a result of the condition; commends the work of Guillian-Barré and Associated Inflammatory Neuropathies (GAIN) in supporting families of GBS patients through its provision of high-quality information and advice; highlights that GAIN depends on donations and fundraising in order to provide these services; congratulates 10 year old Jack Reid from Kilmarnock in his recent efforts to raise funds for GBS to support his older cousin, Keiran Stewart, who suffered from the disease eight years ago; understands that Keiran and many other sufferers of GBS who have recovered, continue to experience a number of residual symptoms, including physical weakness, poor stamina and bouts of chronic fatigue; and calls on the Government to ensure that sufficient support is provided to fund research into more progressive treatments for GBS with a view to eventually identifying a cure.