This is Terry, my friend from school. Some of you, like me, will know him as Teca (pronounced Tekker).

Teca and I were mates in high school. We sat next to each other in class, exchanged hip hop tapes, I corrected him on Public Enemy lyrics and in turn, he let me copy his Maths.

We left school together in 1990 and spent the seemingly endless summer playing tennis and football in Northwood Park, watching the World Cup, listening to rap music and various other pursuits to make us even less attractive to girls.

Like most friends, we drifted and forged our own ways in life. Teca and I saw each other less frequently, as is often the case.

In the mid '90s, Terry met a girl from Ireland, Elizabeth. They fell in love, moved to Ireland and married. He and Liz are parents to Lauren, Adam and Eva. They are also proud grandparents to a beautiful baby girl, Luna who was born early this year.

15 years ago Teca and I reconnected, having completely lost touch. We have maintained our friendship throughout this time. Albeit via telephone, social media and the occasional meet-up for a pint or visit, when circumstances have allowed.

This time last year, Teca complained of a twitching in his arms & weakness in his left hand, combined with a deterioration in his speech.

In December of last year Terry was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND), later confirmed as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). This is a disease that attacks the neurons that control the muscles which allow us to move, eat, walk and breathe.

The advance of Terrys condition has been aggressive, fast and extremely cruel. His condition has now worsened and has taken his speech and confined him to a wheelchair. It has robbed him of a career he loved, and forced his wife Liz to give up her career as a nurse, and be his full time carer.

Having lost both of their incomes, they are now forced with the significant expense of converting their home to make it wheelchair accessible. And also to source a vehicle that is also suitable for the same.

In September I will be running the 'Potters 'Arf' half-marathon, to try and contribute to Terry and Liz' fundraising. If you could take the trouble to donate, it would be gratefully appreciated.

Since Teca told me of this in December of last year, he has displayed tremendous courage and resilience.

For obvious reasons, we are no longer able to talk on the phone, but we still communicate via WhatsApp. He is actually able to text me using eye gaze technology. How 007 is that? The fortitude he has displayed has been a real inspiration, and I'm proud to call him my friend.

One last thing, even if you don't know my friend Teca, please donate. You would be doing me a huge favour, by helping me to let him know that his mate in Stoke is thinking of him and is trying to help.

Thank you for your kindness.