In July 2019, Rick felt as though he had pulled a muscle in his left calf, over time this developed into a strange sensation he describes as “his left leg trying to trip his right leg over!” After an MRI scan Rick was referred to a Neurologist for further examination. After numerous tests over a matter of months Rick was diagnosed with Motor Neurons Disease. For those who are unfamiliar with this debilitating disease, it essentially breaks down the communication between the brain and the muscles, causing them to wither and die. With a life expectancy of 2-5 years, a third of those people diagnosed die within a year and 50% within two years. There is no cure or effective treatment.

Such an event has naturally had a huge effect on Rick's life, as well as the lives of his friends and family. Not least for his 18 year old daughter who has to face the prospect of losing her Dad at such a young age. Despite a rapid decline in mobility, Rick remains his positive, upbeat self, and is determined to make the best of what time he has left. If you know Rick you will understand not only how fiercely independent he is, but also the many things that make him Rick involve independence, the freedom and ability to function outside in what some would describe as a wild environment.

The debilitating nature of MND coupled with the speed of onset has already severely restricted Ricks ability to work or continue many of his hobbies including motorcycling and his lifelong love of Falconry. A passion he has had since a very young age, a subject in which he is published author in as well as breeding birds of prey for both falconry and release programs globally to help save species from extinction. Rick has always given his expertise freely for conservation projects and training Police wildlife liaison officers, he is always the one to advocate "it is important to give, when you can". No longer able to train dogs, another of Ricks passions, he has sold his motorbike to fund the off-road capable mobility scooter which allows him at least to take his own dogs for a 'walk'.

To live anything close to an independent life, he needs regular care and specially adapted equipment. The support provided by the NHS's care team is incredible and we can't thank them enough, they make a real difference and do an incredible job on so many levels. Unfortunately though the equipment needed to maintain a reasonable level of independence is not funded nor is it available through the NHS.

Over the coming months we had hoped to be planning numerous events to raise funds for Rick – sadly corona virus has put any such events on hold.

While we all patiently wait for the world to re-open Rick’s condition is worsening and his mobility ebbing away.

Rick has always been the first person to jump in and help others whenever he could, including taking in part in an Ultra White Collar Boxing event in 2017 to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Even now Rick is trying to arrange annual fundraising events to help others who find themselves in the same position! We kindly ask that you give whatever you can afford, however little, share this page and participate where possible to help reach our goal together.

The money raised will go towards adapting the house to suit Ricks ever changing needs and other specialist equipment to make his remaining time as comfortable and fulfilling as possible.

We live in hope, as do many others, that a cure will be found but until such a time we have to try our best to mitigate the symptoms in every way we can.

Every donation is very much appreciated, and will go directly towards helping Rick live out his time in comfort and with as much dignity as possible.

Thank you