Rich's Story by Sarah Merritt

Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

I will be taking part in the Brighton marathon this September to raise money for MND in memory of my dear friend Richard Foster who passed away on the 28th August 2019 aged just 52.

He was diagnosed with MND in March 2015 and battled through this terrible illness which was heartbreaking to watch.

Rich was always a fun loving, caring and very active guy. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. He was always very popular with his "happy go lucky" attitude and had a vast circle of friends. Everyone he met loved him. He and I were friends for over 30 years and when he went he took a piece of my heart with him.

This illness is so cruel and painful and took away everything that Richard enjoyed - football, socialising, having fun, crusing and most important to Rich...... eating!

During the final months of his illness he was unable to eat, talk or breathe by himself. He was only able to communicate by the movement of his eyes. I am sure he suffered a great deal of frustration when I kept getting the letters wrong but typical Rich, had the patience of a saint and kept going until I finally worked out what he was trying to say!

I promised Rich I would attempt a marathon- I managed to compmlete a half marathon..just! and am now training hard to fulfil my promise.

People should never have to battle through such an awful illness and I will continue to fund raise for MND untl a cure is found.

Please, please donate whatever you can afford, nothing is too small, and help me raise my target of £1,000.

Angie's Story by Andrea Edwards-Jones

Angie Muir has been a dear family friend for many years. She is a wonderful caring person and the epitome of kindness and love. I remember moving to Parkstone in my youth and she opened her house to us, letting us use her home for a family Christmas and giving my sister Sarah a permanent place to live.

She has been a dynamic teacher for children with disabilities for over forty years and has been an inspiration to many. She has always been full of life and laughter.

She survived cancer but Angie has now developed MND after losing both her brother and father to this cruel illness. Angie continues to fight the disease with grace and determination, but is now at the point where she can no longer swallow, speak or move her legs. There is no cure.

Please help me raise money for The MND Association who work hard to improve care and support for people with MND and their carers and families