We start the new year with the sad news that our chairman, Christopher Sporborg CBE, has passed away. He died at his daughter’s home on 2 January following a short illness. Christopher served as a trustee for The National Brain Appeal for more than 22 years and he was our chairman for 16 of these. He led the charity with decisiveness, wit and above all, compassion.
He will be truly missed and it is a sad and sudden end to a very successful era for the charity. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

A shocking 58.1% of patients in the UK have experienced problems in accessing the services or treatment they need, a new report has found. The paper, based on a survey of almost 7,000 neurology patients nationwide and an audit of clinical commissioners, was conducted by the Neurological Alliance and shows that the care offered often has real failings. Read the full report here.

Most new year’s get-fit resolutions falter in the first three weeks of January. The all-important element for success? Motivation. And that’s where we can help because having a real goal to help you get fit makes it far more likely you’ll stick with it.

Throughout the year The National Brain Appeal welcomes enthusiastic runners, walkers or cyclists to join #TeamBrainAppeal. We give you a reason to train, and you do something amazing in return by raising money for those affected by a neurological condition.

We have an event to suit everyone, whatever your fitness level or ability. If you’re up for a hardcore challenge like the London Marathon or the London Triathlon, or an event with a twist such as Tough Mudder or the Zombie Evacuation Race, just get in touch. If walking is more your thing, we also have the calmer option of Trekfest − yes, really! There’s a new 13km walk for 2015.

If you’re unable to get a place secured by us in a race, don’t be put off. You can always apply directly as an individual and still fundraise for us that way. Many challenges are listed on runbritain.com, runforcharity.com or cycleforcharity.com where you could select us as your charity there. Or why not create your own walk, run or ride? Recently, one team of supporters did a 10-mile canal walk in their pyjamas!

To join #TeamBrainAppeal, register for an event or if you have any questions, email info@nationalbrainappeal.org or call our team on 020 3448 4724.

Do you have a pile of lovely − but unwanted − gifts after Christmas? Instead of eBaying them, or bagging them up and dropping them at your local charity shop, think of us! We often have sales in The National Hospital and we can raise much-needed funds from your unwanted pressies. Just drop them into our office (near the hospital), or post them to us – the address is on our website. We are always incredibly grateful for all donations.

For more events, personal stories and how you can get involved, please visit
www.nationalbrainappeal.org, or follow us @brainappeal and fb/TheNationalBrainAppeal

Theresa, Marcelle, Jess, Louise, Cara and Leigh