On the run up to Christmas 2017 we began to notice a change in the way our dad was speaking-his speech would become slurred and difficult to understand. His mobility became a concern and he started to lose weight rapidly.

Initially the doctors thought he had suffered a minor stroke and he began speech therapy and physio. It quickly became clear that rather than making progress, he was regressing.

After further consultation, tests and specialist advice, we were told 8 weeks ago that he has Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

We are all utterly devestated. This is a terminal condition. There is no cure, no medication-only palliative care.

We have had tremendous support from friends and family and the Motor Neurone Disease Association-however there are some very real problems facing us and these are becoming increasingly more serious.

Dad has lost most of his speech and will soon be confined to a wheelchair. Therein lies the biggest problem.

None of us want our parents to sell their house. Their home of 38 years. We want to make whatever adaptations we can to make sure dad spends whatever time he has left with us, in his own home, surrounded by his family.

Needless to say the costs of doing this are extensive as it will involve structural work and substantial redesign of the downstairs area to accommodate his changing needs.

If you feel able to make a donation - no matter how small- then please do. Know that every penmy we can raise will be put towards making sure our amazing dad-who is facing this disease face on and with incredible determination-has as comfortable a life as possible.

If you have read this far then thank you so much from all of us.