Meet the Team

FND Connect is built by people who live with Functional Neurological Disorder every day, and by those who care for them. That lived experience shapes everything we do — from the information we share to the practical support we are working to provide.

Matthew Gerdes-Hansen, Director of FND Connect

Matthew Gerdes-Hansen

Director

I founded FND Connect CIC after watching two of my family — my fiancée, Emma, and my 16‑year‑old stepdaughter — both face Functional Neurological Disorder with very little information or support to turn to. Living alongside their very different triggers, symptoms and daily struggles gave me a clear, first-hand view of just how much is missing.

My goal is to build a genuinely caring community, backed by practical tools and honest, easy-to-understand content that helps people with FND feel informed and less alone. Looking further ahead, we want to secure funding for therapies that aren’t available on the NHS, and for practical help like mobility aids — supporting people on their worst days, even when fluctuating symptoms mean they don’t qualify for NHS provision.

Emma Wilder, Director of FND Connect

Emma Wilder

Director

I’ve lived with FND since 2021, and in 2023 my daughter was diagnosed too. Having two people under the same roof with FND is unusual — especially as it isn’t a hereditary condition. Between us we’ve been through more than our share of trauma over the years, and that is most likely the thread that connects our diagnoses.

Matthew wanted to do something meaningful to help not just us, but everyone living with FND, and he started talking about setting up a non-profit to make it happen. So here we are!

Amy Nash, Ambassador for FND Connect

Amy Nash

Ambassador

I’m Amy. As an Ambassador for FND Connect, I use my lived experience of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) to help raise awareness and support others affected by the condition. By openly sharing my real-life journey, I hope to inspire, educate, and remind people that they are not alone. I am passionate about advocating for greater understanding of FND and helping build a supportive community for those living with the condition and their families.

Want to be part of what we’re building? Whether you’d like to share your story, volunteer, or support our charitable work, we’d love to hear from you.

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