Doncaster mum of three struck down by brain illness nominated for top prize
A Doncaster mum of three who was left paralysed and needing full-time care after being struck down with a severe brain illness has been nominated for a prestigious award.
Chloe-Marie Gallagher went from being a lively and active full-time mum to using a wheelchair after being diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) where the brain struggles to send and receive signals properly, causing involuntary symptoms like weakness, movement disorders, and seizures.
But Chloe-Marie refuses to let the condition define her and she has just been nominated for the National Diversity Awards in the Positive Role Model For Disability category.
She said: “Like most people round here, I’ve always just cracked on, juggling family life and doing my best for those around me.
"Everything changed in November when I was diagnosed with FND.
"Almost overnight, I went from being an active, hands-on mum to being paralysed and reliant on full-time care.
"Lying in that hospital bed, I felt scared, overwhelmed, and honestly quite alone.
"What hit me most wasn’t just what I was going through physically, but how little awareness and support there was for people like me. I remember thinking, “This can’t be it, people shouldn’t have to face this on their own.”
That moment became a turning point. With her mum by my side, Chloe-Marie decided that if the support didn’t exist, she would create it.
She said: “From that hospital bed, we set up our non-profit, FND Together We Rise.
"Since then, we’ve built an online platform offering support, education, and a safe space for people affected by FND. We’ve also grown a strong, supportive social media community where people can share their stories, feel understood, and realise they’re not alone.
"What started as one of the hardest moments of my life has turned into something positive, helping others find hope, connection, and strength. And that means everything to me.”
Chloe-Marie also recently attended London Fashion Week as a model representing FND on A Diverse Runway.
She added: “If I’m being honest, I never set out thinking I’d be recognised for anything like this, I just didn’t want anyone else to feel as lost and alone as I did.
"When I was diagnosed with FND and suddenly became paralysed, my whole world changed overnight in a way I could never have prepared for. One minute I was a busy, active mum, and the next I was relying on full-time care.
"In those early days, what really stood out was how little support and understanding there was, not just for me, but for so many others going through the same thing. It was isolating, confusing, and at times really frightening.
"There were moments I felt completely overwhelmed, but deep down I knew I didn’t want to just sit in that feeling if I could help change it.
"So instead of letting it defeat me, I chose to turn it into something positive. From my hospital bed, with my mum by my side, we created FND Together We Rise. It wasn’t about being perfect or having all the answers, it was about being real, being honest, and building something that could genuinely support people who felt forgotten.
"I’ve taken one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through and used it to help others feel less alone. And for me, that’s what matters most. If even one person feels understood because of what we’ve built, then it’s all been worth it.
"I want to reach as many people as possible who need my help. I’ve already accumulated over 300k followers on TikTok and over 80k on instagram. I’ve received a lot of support in my recent nomination with people voting for me and sending such heartfelt messages of love and appreciation. I’m so grateful for everyone’s support and really hope I can make it far in this event.
"Speaking up for those who need it the most and making the change FND needs!”