Pair of West Midlands officers open up about their struggle with life-limiting condition

27 July 2023

Two West Midlands Police Federation members, both living with the same neurological medical condition have told how they have found a ‘sense of comfort and relief’ in finding out they ‘are not alone’ as they share their stories to help raise awareness of the disorder.

Rich Jacques and Monty Kaushal have both been diagnosed with Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND), a ‘medically unexplained’ condition that - according to the NHS - refers to when symptoms in the body appear to be caused by the nervous system but are not caused by neurological disease or disorder.

Ultimately, FND is a problem that impacts how the brain and body send and receive signals. And, while both officers experienced different symptoms, they both have told how the condition has had a huge impact on both their mental and physical health.

“I struggle each day. At first, I thought this would go away and I thought I would make a full recovery,” said 51-year-old Monty, who has been in the Force for 25 years.

Rewind to 2020, when Monty developed a kidney stone while on holiday in 2020. Treatment was delayed due to the pandemic, which is when he started to notice FND symptoms.

“Some of the symptoms I was experiencing included slurred speech, delayed reactions, clumsiness, headaches, tremors, chronic fatigue, chronic insomnia and general chronic pain throughout my body,” explained father-of-one Monty, adding: “Each symptom can change depending on the day, and every symptom can change in an instant.

“It’s very, very limiting on a daily basis.”

Despite trialling medication and various therapies, Monty said that ‘nothing improves the situation’.

“I’m now classed as disabled, but it’s an invisible disability, which is difficult. I haven’t been able to work for three years and I’m pretty much a recluse now, I actually find interacting with others very difficult, which is quite embarrassing. The mental impact FND has on you is huge. In fact, it is soul-destroying.

“It sounds cliche but I loved my job, I loved my work. I have always been very proud to have been an officer and this has ruined my career.”

Reluctantly, Monty was forced to apply for ill-health retirement, as a result of the condition.

And with there being little awareness around FND, he explained how he struggled to find the support he needed.

“Despite having a very supportive line manager, I felt really isolated. The team around me wanted to help but they were getting frustrated because they didn’t know how,” he continued.

“There definitely needs to be more awareness of FND in policing, which is why I’m sharing my experience. It’s too late for me, but hopefully, by talking about what I’ve been through, it will help others who might be experiencing it.”

Only recently, Monty was put in touch with Richard, a fellow West Midlands police officer, who is also living with FND.

Monty said: “In some way, me and Rich have formed our own informal support network. I can’t play down how much it means to know that somebody else in the force knows what I’m going through. All of a sudden, I don’t feel quite so alone.”

Rich was diagnosed in 2018, two years after initially noticing symptoms - the main ones being a loss of balance and brain fog.

A middle-aged male police officer wears his uniform with buttons done up

Rich Jacques has been diagnosed with Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND)

“I looked, talked and walked like a drunk person,” said 52-year-old sergeant Rich who has also been in the force for 25 years.

“I have to think about absolutely everything now.”

Due to the condition, Rich has been ‘switching’ between roles over the past 12 months.

“I’m almost role-less at the moment, it’s difficult to find a place for me in the Force. I’m struggling mentally and physically.

“This illness drives me bonkers, it has totally changed my life. I can’t quite begin to explain how it impacts you. It’s like I’m on a merry-go-round, just waiting for answers. It’s an incredibly lonely place.

“Treatment pathways for FND in the UK are incredibly limited. There are no quick fixes but there are slow fixes that with time and effort can make symptoms less intrusive for some people.

“Sadly services are very much dependant on your postcode with the Midlands being particularly baron of appropriate treatment and contributing to suffering and longevity of symptoms.”

Like Monty, Rich says he is sharing his story to not only raise awareness of FND but to create a sense of support for others who are living with the condition.

“I would say there are probably more officers living with this than we know - perhaps they are experiencing symptoms and don’t know what the answer is,” continued Rich.

“It’s really important for me to share my story. I think there are others out there who are suffering who could do with the support.

“My colleagues and managers have been compassionate and understanding about how my disorder impacts upon me. However, living with this condition is incredibly lonely and FND is a very cruel disease.”