Hello everyone, my name is Cinzia and I would like to bring to your attention – and to that of the authorities – the serious issue of rare diseases, for which the standard treatments and protocols provided by our National Health Service are insufficient and, in some cases, are unfortunately merely palliative.

I am talking about pudendal neuralgia (PN), a condition characterised by chronic or acute pain affecting the genital area, the perineum (the area between the anus and the genitals) and the pelvic floor muscles. The main symptom is pain, which can be described as a burning sensation, stinging, tingling or a stabbing pain in the pelvic, perineal or genital area.

And it is not only women who are affected, but unfortunately men too.

And it is the story of a man that I am about to tell you. A man who has been battling this unbearable pain for months, a man who no longer has a social or working life, a job he risks losing, a man who has had to put his passions on hold – those passions which, alongside the daily grind, help us to live with a light heart and a smile.

Yes, because Daniele is a great artist, a wonderful photographer and an eclectic, creative filmmaker; every shot he takes tells a story and conveys an emotion, every frame vibrates with energy and feeling.

Unfortunately, his illness has left him bedridden and helpless, gripped by constant, devastating pain. The treatments that might perhaps cure him are offered by private facilities and specialists in the field. The costs are exorbitant, and for Daniele the expenses have become unsustainable yet necessary to give him hope of recovery. Yes, because Daniele must recover; he must hold on and must continue to share his wonders with the world.

I hope that my story touches your hearts and raises awareness.

The photos in my fundraising campaign are some of his sublime shots.

Thank you all for reading and sharing.