On the 10th August 2018 my beautiful mum would have turned 53. Unfortunately we lost her to Motor Neurone Disease on January 28th 2018. 

My mum suffered with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) for 5-6 years. Stage by stage MND ripped away my mums independence, affecting the way she walked, talked, drank, ate and eventually breathed. She was so very brave throughout, despite the aggressive and destructive nature of the disease. 

With every birthday of hers that passed it became increasingly difficult to know what to give to her as a gift that she could actually use, love, wear or enjoy. However this year I am finally able to give my mum something that means so much more than any wrapped up present would. 

A few years back I felt lost in all aspects of life, but there was one thing I was certain of. I sat with mum and dad and told them how I wanted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for my mum- in aid of Motor Neurone Disease. I remember the look on her face, I remember how happy it made her. Unfortunately due to many factors including becoming ill myself, and wanting to care for and spend time with my mum, I was unable to physically and mentally make this dream a reality for her. I am devastated that I ran out of time to give her this present, and see that happy little face again. 

I made a promise to myself the night she passed, that I would get better, for me but mainly for her.

I am here today with two presents for my mum. 1) I am getting SO much better and I'll continue to. 2) I am doing a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro on January 23rd 2019 in aid of the MND association. 

I am finally ready to do what I promised her I would. This is for her, and for every person suffering with, living with, or affected by MND. It's a truly life altering and incredibly devastating disease, and I intend to do everything in my power to raise more awareness for the MND association. 

For those of you unsure of what MND is and what your kind donations would be going towards, here is a brief description-

Motor Neurone Disease describes a group of diseases that affect the nerves in the brain and spinal cord that tell your muscles what to do. MND causes the messages from these nerves to gradually stop reaching the muscles, leading them to weaken, stiffen and waste. This eventually affects how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. MND progresses at varying speeds, with symptoms occurring in no set order, making it difficult to predict the course of the disease. MND is terminal, killing a third of suffers within a year and more than half within two years. But suffers can be left locked in a failing body with a life span of anywhere between 6 months-6 years from diagnosis,. There is NO CURE. 

The MND association is focused on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those living with and affected by MND. The MND association help to support in prolonging the independence of sufferers and create the best quality of life for them when they have little ability and time left. First hand I can tell you the work they do is remarkable. Hopefully with an increase of awareness, the acknowledgement it deserves and a rise in funds a cure will be found for MND. 

If you should want to kindly sponsor me on my trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, I would like to thank you so much for reading my story and for any donation no matter the amount. It is so greatly appreciated. This is my first step towards a vision of a world free of MND. 

*You can also text to donate if this is easier for you*

To text to donate, please text my JustTextGiving code: EMND53                With the amount you would like to donate beside it: e.g. EMND53 £3      Text this to 70070. On JustTextGiving you can text donate £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 and £10.

Thank you again, Ellie x

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