Story
Hi everyone,
thankyou very much for visiting my Just Giving page and supporting the Motor Neurone Disease Association. I am running the London Marathon, 2010, in memory of my grandad, Frederick Bamford, who died of Motor Neurone Disease in 2001. My grandfather was a very active, healthy and humorous man, passionate about his sport and his family. I remember fondly the countless times he would ride his rickety old biycle miles and miles to watch my cousin and myself play football for our local clubs. A proud ex miner and fit pensioner, who was still actively working as a gardener, until he developed what we all thought was a cough and muscle pain from working too hard. However, these were symptoms of a swift and devastating disease, which rapidly attacked his muscles, affecting his movement, ability to swallow and eventually breath. He was loved and supported by his family, particularly Auntie Christine, Uncle Dave, Leigh, Michael (my dad), Ann (my mum) and his beloved wife Dorothy. They fully appreciated the care and support of professionals and volunteers at his hospice. I am very sad that I was not in the country at the very end to give my full support and say goodbye. However, I finally have an opportunity to do something positive in his memory, by raisng as much money as I can to support the wonderful work of MNDA.
Thank you very, very, much for any donation or sponsorship, every penny I raise will go directly to the care of MND sufferers, support for their families and research for a cure to this devastating disease.
What is MND?
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurones. Degeneration of the motor neurones leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing. In the UK at least five people a day die from MND. Life expectancy for most people with MND is just two to five years, and around half will die within 14 months of diagnosis. MND leaves people unable to walk, talk or feed themselves, but the intellect and the senses usually remain unaffected. People with MND can still think and feel, but their muscles refuse to work. There are four main types of MND, each affecting people in different ways. There are four main types of MND, each affecting people in different ways. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - This is the most common form, with both upper and lower motor neurone involvement. This form of the disease is characterised by weakness and wasting in the limbs. Someone may notice they are tripping when walking or dropping things. Average life expectancy is from two to five years from onset of symptoms. Progressive Bulbar Palsy (PBP)- Affects about a quarter of people diagnosed and involves both upperand lower motor neurones. Symptoms may include slurring of speech or difficulty swallowing. Life expectancy is between six months and three years. Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA) - Affects only a small proportion of people, mainly causing damage to the lower motor neurones. Early symptoms may be noticed as weakness or clumsiness of the hand. Most people live for more than five years. Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) - A rare form of MND involving the upper motor neurones only, causing mainly weakness in the lower limbs, although some people may experience clumsiness in the hands or speech problems. Life span could essentially be normal unless it develops into ALS.
You can learn more about Motor Neurone Disease by clicking the charitys logo on this page.