Remember each year, when the New Year is rung in and you think this year is going to be 'my' year.........well this year we thought 2019 was going to be mine and Steve's year.......we had plans however, life also had plans for us that we hadn't anticipated........since last July Steve had started to slur his words when talking and after having tests for possible throat cancer in September......which was clear, then an MRI in December......which was also clear we were referred in January to see a Neurologist.......following tests on Thursday 14th March 2019 we were given confirmation diagnosis that Steve has Motor Neurone Disease ........we're now living each day at a time, creating as many memories as possible for both of us and our family.......for those who are unsure of what MND is its a progressive disease, affecting walking, talking, eating, drinking and breathing which 6 people per day are diagnosed affecting up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time.......1 in 300 people.........

Since diagnosis, we have been fortunate to get in contact with other people diagnosed and carers and have had the invaluable support from the Motor Neurone Association helping us with benefits, which we never thought we would have to apply for........and through the MND Association we are going to be provided a communication aid for Steve to help him be understood and have a 'voice' again........

Money raised will go towards helping Steve and other people diagnosed with MND live a life as full as possible and support them.......£80 will buy softwear to enable someone to bank their own voice.........I cannot remember what Steve used to sound like anymore even after being together for 21 years.......£500 could go towards the cost of a ceiling hoist to enable somebody to continue living in their own home with their family or through the help of carers.......£125 will help to buy a specialist communication app for a smartphone or tablet.......we downloaded a free text to speech for Steve for his mobile.......which he used to send a friend a message.....telling him he couldn't buy the drinks when they go out.....as he cannot talk...... but to help him he needs one with predicted text and where he can save regular sentences......such as I need some assistance.....I love you.....what's for dinner today......and to help our kids understand him as our daughter said she is beginning to struggle to understand him.......this will also ensure Steve can participate in conversations........at the moment I am his voice.

We are aware that the future will become more and more difficult and are embarking on a unknown journey, whereas some cancers can be beaten......Motor Neurone cannot and this will certainly test mine and Steve's strengths as we embark on this 1 way journey together until the end when we know we will have to part.

In 2015, I started running.....and up until then Steve was the one who was more fitter and energetic than me.......he has supported me through this and other ventures I have done.......even the 100K ultra me and my running buddy,  Pat did last year......he thought we were mad but he was there for me......now its my turn to support him.

Next month at the end of May, I will be running my 5th Marathon and returning to Liverpool with Steve, Pat and her husband.......whilst me and Pat are doing the hard work running around Liverpool........Steve and Paul, Pat's husband have told us they will be working hard.......in the Cavern Club......I know as time goes by running will become invaluable to me.......to give me time out of my caring role, a chance to clear my mind and to help my mental health. 

I am asking the kindness of people to help me raise some money to say thank you to the MND Association for the help and support they have given us so far and will continue to do so for as long is needed.......Steve has already sponsored me along with another person......and thanks to Megan at our Bank she is also trying to raise some money for us.......I haven't pledged to raise big amounts as along with being a full time Foster carer and with the fostering commitments I am now becoming Steve's carer.......nevertheless, I would love to raise as much as possible.......to help Steve and other families who are living with MND........especially as we wouldn't like to see other people we know and love have to face the changes life now has in store for us. 

Many thanks

Lisa & Steve xx