Cliff Hewison's campaign for FES

Cliff found that FES improved his walking by an incredible 88%. He campaigned tirelessly until he got the treatment he needed.

Although FES is not suitable for everyone with MS, for Cliff, who has secondary progressive MS, FES means the difference between being able to continue walking and needing a wheelchair.

Cliff's physiotherapist referred him to a local hospital which offered FES. Cliff tried the FES equipment and found that the treatment improved his walking ability by an amazing 88 per cent.

Cliff's actions:

Cliff applied to Hounslow PCT for funding, submitting reports from his physiotherapist and occupational therapist detailing how the treatment benefited him.

• When the PCT rejected his application and his subsequent appeal on the grounds of insufficient evidence to prove the benefits of FES, Cliff refused to give up and made a second appeal to the PCT.
• This time he submitted a full costings report, which detailed what the treatment would cost the PCT for a five year period, along with follow up reports from his physiotherapist and occupational therapist. 

Campaigning success

As a result of the second appeal, Cliff secured six months funding for FES from the PCT and has recently been granted a further six months funding for the treatment due to the proven positive benefits that he has experienced.