This is why I’m running the London Marathon..... Here’s Kevin’s story:

Kevin was diagnosed in September 2017 at the age of 31.He injured his shoulder at work in December 2015. It gave way whilst on a chainsaw course and initially he was treated for ligament damage. After several appointments and physiotherapy sessions all which were proven unsuccessful more tests were carried out which finally diagnosed him with motor neurone disease.

The first thing he lost was the muscle and movement in his right hand which continued up his arm. That since spread down his upper left side and has now started to affect his legs. He struggles to walk any distance and needs help with normal everyday tasks like showering, eating, putting on a coat, doing up his belt etc.

He’s been on a medical trial which has finished recently, but like all trials we do not know if had the drug or placebo. He has had a feeding tube insterted into his stomach. Not that he needs it now but for future if/ when he loses all motability in his arms and can no longer eat or even worse losses the ability to swallow.

He’s had a bespoke motorised wheelchair made for him for when the time comes when he can no longer walk.

His house has had some modifications to accommodate his disability. Recently they’ve opened up the kitchen and he has a bedroom and wet room downstairs.

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a progressive disease that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. However, not all symptoms necessarily happen to everyone and it is unlikely they will all develop at the same time, or in any specific order.Although there is currently no cure for MND, symptoms can be managed to help you achieve the best possible quality of life.