I had never had any encounters with this disease until entered into the lives of my girlfriend’s family. John, Eliza’s step dad, was diagnosed with the disease in 2024. It was clear to see the devastating effects and his rapid deterioration in health. I knew what the disease was but never knew how heartbreaking and painful it can be for not only the sufferer but the people around them. John was a smashing bloke and continued fighting right up until the end of his life in April this year.

Taking away someone’s motor skills is taking away their life and watching that gradually slip from their grasp was something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Anyone who suffers this disease and the people around them will forever have my upmost respect.

Everyone should give as much money as they manage to this cause because there is no cure. That needs to change to help the families up and down the country that have their lives completely destroyed by it.

RIP John.

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.

We need your support.

£120 could provide an overbed table, making it easier for someone with MND to eat, drink and read safely and comfortably in bed

£280 could fund the coordination of care for someone with MND at a Care Centre for a year

£500 could provide a tablet device with specialist communication software, allowing someone to communicate with loved ones