A popular fudge producer in Cornwall has had his life turned upside down after receiving a devastating diagnosis.
Andrew Mortimer, who is best known for running Buy Fudge, noticed something wasn’t right when he started to feel a tingling sensation in his hands and legs at the start of the year.
It led to him losing the feeling in his legs, along with a number of falls, and then losing the ability to walk.
In February, the 46-year-old was taken to Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske, Truro, where he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome – a rare and serious condition affecting the nerves.
Andrew, who sells his fudge at local markets across Cornwall, has been in hospital ever since and, after suffering temporary paralysis in his legs, is now needing to relearn to walk.
He said: “At this point in time, I have no idea what the long-term damage will be to me.
(Image: Supplied)
“It’s attacked my nerves, so my immune system has misidentified my nerves as being something foreign and caused me a lot of pain.
“We’re still trying to work out a little bit about my legs and balance and my strength, so we’re very much in the early days.
“But I feel positive that I’m in the right place to get some help. I’m hopeful of a good outcome and I am making a slow recovery, but it’s probably going to be months before I can get back to work.”
A GoFundMe page has been set for Andrew, which you help support here.
Andrew, who has not been able to work since the end of last year, said the situation has had a “significant impact” on his finances and he is anxious for the future.
But he is eager to get back to producing fudge as quickly as possible – and hopes to create a special flavour when he’s back.
“I’ve really missed the people at market and I’ve missed being part of the community.
“I really miss that Cornish community and how much people love Cornish fudge.
“Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart (for all the support so far). It’s been a humbling experience to go through this.”
According to the NHS, Guillain-Barré syndrome affects your senses, your movement and things such as breathing and your heartbeat.
It usually affects your arms and legs first before you get symptoms in other parts of your body. Symptoms usually get worse over the first two to four weeks.
You might feel tingling, numbness or pins and needles in your feet and hands first. This is usually followed by muscle weakness and difficulty moving your joints.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact the NHS via 111.
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