InterSystems UK raising funds for employee with rare brain condition

InterSystems staff holding a 'Tomothon' to raise money to help colleague with rare illness

Staff at InterSystems UK are raising funds to help out a colleague diagnosed with a rare brain condition.

Employees at the software company are hoping to raise £30,000 to build an assisted bedroom and wet room for Tom Spencer, who has been at the company for eight years.

The father-of-three has been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a degenerative disease involving the gradual deterioration and death of parts of the brain. The condition can cause loss of balance, slowing of movement and, eventually, dementia.

At the moment, Spencer is unable to walk unaided, and his condition will only worsen.

As well as raising money for Spencer, his colleagues are also planning to raise awareness of the condition by running a series of marathons, called ‘The Tomathon'.

Two groups will run the Reading Half Marathon and Hampton Court Half Marathon this Sunday. That will come after a first outing for the groups at the Portsmouth Marathon on 23 December 2018.

Duncan Allen, sales manager at InterSystems UK, has asked people in the IT community who know Spencer, or can empathise with his family situation, to support the cause where possible. "We are a group of ten friends, supporters and colleagues who simply wanted to find a way to help. I had the privilege of working closely with Tom for several years," said.

He continued: "Such was his ability and integrity that he became a trusted adviser to many NHS customers particularly in the Southwest of England. He combines great technical skills with great communication skills and an ability to get on with nearly everybody.

"There are many quotes on our crowdfunder site but one which sums him up so well is: ‘You have always brought optimism, good cheer, and cleverness to everyone around you'."

You can donate to the appeal via "The Tomothon" Crowdfunder page