I do not know where to begin..

I lost my partner to MND on Monday 21st June 2021 (which also happens to be MND Awareness day). He was only 34 years old. I held his hand and the family surrounded him as he took his last breath. He is no longer suffering from this horrendous disease and my heart goes out to anyone else on the journey right now.

He was a private individual who did not want the sympathy or people looking at him in a different way. We have been on a rollercoaster of a journey from the official diagnosis in early 2020 and I have been his sole carer (and entertainer) for this entire time.

Dave was an intelligent guy. A graduate of web development and then went on to become a Software Developer. He had many interests from MMA, motorbikes, Jiu jitsu, anything tech related, gaming, football, adventuring, travelling, loved animals and was right into the gym.

In 2016 we set off on a bit of a world adventure for 18 months covering many countries and creating some lasting memories together. Upon returning Dave noticed a weaker grip and arm strength when lifting in the gym. Almost 18 months of doctor appointments  and testing to discover that he had MND- Motor Neuron Disease. To hear a health professional tell you that your partner at such a young age is terminally ill, was the most harrowing moment of my life.

MND Scotland have directly provided us with funding for equipment, counselling services, advice, advocacy services and general support when we needed it. It is time for me to do something a little different to raise money as a tribute to Dave, but also to give back to such a valuable charity. All of the families in Scotland dealing with MND currently rely on this service not only for ongoing support, but in funding research to find a cure. 

I long for the day where an individual can get the diagnosis, but know that there is a cure!

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On Saturday 21st August I take on a midnight Trek of Ben Nevis with MND Scotland. This challenge and adventure is something that Dave would be happy about being such a proud Scot.  

Whether it's £5 or £20, every penny goes towards helping those suffering and to help find a cure in the future. 

If you cannot afford to donate right now, please sign the petition for government funding to help find a cure (copy and paste the link below): 

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/564582

And if you get a spare moment, feel free to have a read of the blog I did for MND Scotland only a few weeks ago (copy and paste the link below):

https://www.mndscotland.org.uk/latest/blog/guest-blog-what-are-the-chances/

Thankyou!

#united2endMND