KEITH Hall realised he had a problem when his body began inexplicably twisting to the left and there was nothing he could do to straighten up.

He was in pain and struggling to walk and breath because a lung was being compressed by the twisting.

After many tests the dad of three was diagnosed with dystonia and was told there was no cure.

But some patients were getting the chance of improving and regaining their quality of life by undergoing a 'deep brain stimulation' operation.

Keith was refused funding for the operation on the NHS to help his body straighten up because at the time the treatment was not available in Sheffield or funded out of the area. But with the support of colleagues, family and friends Keith, now aged 50, raised £21,000 and had his operation privately at an Oxford hospital.

The treatment involves two electrodes being inserted into the brain to deliver electrical pulses to block the signals that cause the symptoms and give greater control over their body movements.

And a battery similar to a cardiac pacemaker delivers continuous electrical stimulation through electrodes is implanted the patient's chest.

After surgery Keith, from Intake, initially did well but the procedure hasn't worked out quite as well as he'd hoped in the long term, although he stressed there have been benefits.

"My condition is stable," said Keith, "And I think that if I'd not had it done I'd be in a wheelchair by now. But it has relieved pain so I'm glad I've had it done."

It's not know what causes dystonia which affects men and women of all ages and ethnic groups, although research is underway looking into a possible genetic link.

Most cases in adults tend to affect one specific part of the body such as the neck, eyelids and speech muscles. But writer's cramp, musician's cramp and even golfer's 'yips' are also forms of dystonia.

Due to his condition Keith has difficulties with walking and find that he needs to rest frequently.

But he refuses to let the condition rule his life and is very committed to helping others.

He is a member of the Sheffield branch of the Dystonia Society, which is holding it's annual awareness week, this week, and is involved in other groups included Sheffield United Disabled Supporters.

"There are days when it's difficult but I think you had to have a sense of humour and determination," said Keith, who has a disabled son, James, 28. "I speak to people worse off than me."

In March Keith decided he wanted to do a skydive, so did a tandem jump at Hibaldstow airfield in North Lincolnshire alongside son Daniel, and friends which raised £2,000 for the Dystonia Society in sponsorship.

"It was an amazing experience," said Keith.

He would now like to make contact with other people in South Yorkshire who have dystonia so they can meet up as a group.

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