Overview

• The Bayley family’s GoFundMe campaign, launched in late July, seeks £35,000 for a US-sourced Functional Electrical Stimulation bike to advance Gareth’s recovery
• UK healthcare authorities have deemed the device non-essential, prompting private fundraising to secure the costly equipment
• The FES bike sends targeted electrical pulses to paralyzed muscles, potentially improving joint mobility, reducing spasms and preventing pressure sores
• Since his April 2022 brain stem stroke, Gareth has defied initial prognosis by regaining facial expressions, smiling, laughing and spelling words through blinking
• Karen Bayley hopes that mastering the bike’s use will enable Gareth to leave his care home and return to family life in Southeast London