Moe Abutoq is a director/film maker who was diagnosed with MS in 2015. Despite a dramatic deterioration in his health since the illness first manifested itself, Moe continues to work full time and recently finished directing the award-winning children’s BBC series Raven and is currently working on BBC Scotland’s River City.

Moe is a vibrant, funny, talented young man who is facing his illness with tremendous courage and optimism, but inevitably the symptoms take their toll and life is not easy for him; among other things, he suffers badly from uncontrollable tremors and fatigue and is no longer able to do many of the things which we take for granted, like cut up his own food or hold and lift a drink to his lips.

He married my partner’s daughter, Clare, in May this year on the most glorious day of the summer in what was a wonderful celebration. For me, one of the standout moments from that day was when Moe, unable to finish his highly entertaining speech, handed it over to his new wife to complete; between them, they reduced the assembled guests to a jelly of laughter and tears with their hilarious, spirited and devoted double act. That moment encapsulates their attitude and approach to dealing with Moe’s illness.

In the UK, the treatment for Moe’s particular symptoms and the disease in general is limited, but stem cell treatment available in Mexico is expected to transform his life. He has been assessed and accepted for medical treatment there in February 2018, which is fantastic – but at the cost of £60,000. As you can imagine, raising that amount of money is a daunting challenge for any young couple to face as they embark on married life and friends and family are doing whatever they can to help them achieve their goal.

For his part, my profoundly hirsute partner, River City actor Andy Gray, is undergoing an upper body wax and this traumatic event is going to be filmed and put online.

Ooops! Sorry, wrong picture. Here he is now...

A horror movie of sorts and with scenes some viewers may find upsetting, it is hoped that the extreme pain depicted will be equalled by the generosity of donations. Andy will be releasing more information about that soon.

As for me….well, I didn’t really fancy the waxing so I’ve opted for a swim on Wednesday 22nd November.

I plan to complete the 5K (240 lengths) swim at The Arlington Baths Club (above) where staff have kindly agreed to supervise and support the event.

I’m in training now…fuelling up on Fry’s Chocolate Cream and Auntie Bessie’s Yorkshire puddings in order to lay down a good solid layer of blubber to keep me afloat. As you can see...I'm getting there.

Many people reading this won’t know Moe personally and I appreciate that it’s a big ask to expect people to give money to an individual cause rather than a recognised charity. It’s a big ask to expect people to give money to anything in these straitened times! However, if you feel moved by Moe’s story and would like to help, donations of any amount would be enormously appreciated.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this. Here’s to Mexico!