Lyme disease is spreading rapidly
The World Health Organisation has issued warnings about Lyme disease, publishing statistics which indicate that new cases of Lyme disease are around 300,000 a year and increasing at 14% year-on-year in Europe.
Anyone can catch Lyme disease. Ticks can be found in urban parks and gardens, as well as in forests and the countryside. There are over 3,000 new cases of Lyme disease a year in the UK (Public Health England) – that’s 8 people per day. But given the lack of a truly reliable diagnostic test and treatment, the true figure is thought to be much higher. Latest research suggests it could be up to 10,000 people a year.
Thousands of people are suffering in silence, or unaware of the real cause of their illness.
Patients deserve better care
*Statistics gathered from a 2016 survey of over 500 Lyme patients
Many people with Lyme disease report feeling abandoned and ignored by the NHS. A lack of understanding and training in the medical profession around spotting Lyme disease is causing delays in diagnosis, and the consequent development, for many, of life-limiting symptoms.
Some patients pay private doctors and try experimental treatments which can consist of taking antibiotics for many months on end – with varying outcomes.
These treatments are only available to those with the funds to pay for them. We think this is not fair. These treatments are also unproven and we know of many people who undertake treatment but are not ultimately cured.
Up to 1/3 or more of Lyme patients still suffer symptoms after treatment. Some people are too ill to work ever again.
Why do we have these problems?
There are three key elements causing this situation:
1. There is not currently a ‘gold-standard’ or truly reliable test to diagnosis Lyme disease
2. There is little and low-quality research on the diagnosis, treatment and symptoms of Lyme disease
3. There is a lack of clinical experience of Lyme disease among doctors
We aim to address these elements by raising money to fund desperately needed research that will help to resolve this situation.
Why Caudwell LymeCo?
We are a UK charity
raising money for Lyme
disease research
We offer information
and support to Lyme
disease sufferers
We educate the public
on disease awareness
and prevention
Every penny goes
to research and awareness
Read more about how we’re making a difference on our case studies webpage.
Which research do we need?
The National Institute of Health Care and Excellence (NICE) has published Lyme disease treatment guidelines for NHS doctors. They include research recommendations.
Read the NICE guidelines Lyme disease research recommendations in 3 minutes.
How can I help?
Check out our ‘How can I get Involved?’ webpage for the many different ways you can help our charity.
To donate to our research project, simply click on the button below.