On Friday, 17 October 2014 Cedwyn Smallwood took his final bow. 
For the past 18 months he has suffered from Motor Neurones Disease, a rare condition where parts of the nervous system become damaged, causing progressive weakness and muscle wasting. Now he no longer suffers and we can only be grateful for that.  
Forever in our hearts and our memories. We all love you and miss you tremendously. xxx

It occurs when specialist nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord stop working properly. A condition that controls important muscle activity that we take for granted such as gripping, walking, speaking, swallowing, and breathing. As the condition progresses people with motor neurone disease will find these activities increasingly difficult, and eventually impossible to do.

Unfortunately this disease isn’t rare enough as it has now taken over the life of one of the most important men in mine and my families life. This man; Cedwyn Smallwood is a loving husband, father, uncle, godfather, brother, brother-in-law, son-in-law, taid (grandad for those non welsh folk) and friend. He has unfortunately been diagnosed with this disease earlier this year and is currently facing the on going battle of its progressive destruction.

Some time ago Cedwyn started on a weekend walk from his home in North Wales along the Offa’s Dyke Trail that stretches 177 miles along the English/Welsh border. Unfortunately this disease hit all too quickly and now due to restrictions in his mobility Cedwyn will be unable to complete the 30 remaining miles from Pandy to Chepstow, that he has left to complete.

MND Association has been an incredible support to my family and without them the adaptations needed to the lifestyle and living arrangements of my Auntie and Cousins would not be possible. The speed at which they have been able to get things done, to provide information and to offer support has been unbelievable and its now our time to give back for their generosity and care.

The team; Never Known to Fail, a favourite quote of Cedwyn’s, has been formed by family members who aim to complete the remaining 30 miles that Cedwyn will be unable to complete. With your support we hope to raise vital funds for the charity that will enable other families in a similar situation to have the same care and treatment that we have been so lucky to receive.

Your funds are vital in supporting the work that Motor Neurone Disease Association do and we need your help to reach our target.Every little helps, pennies convert to pounds so please dig as deep as you can to help.

Instead of buying that cup of coffee on the way to work tomorrow, why not hit that donate button instead. It's simple and easy to do - simply click donate and the money goes directly to the charity. Please remember to select Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer.

A cup of coffee = 5 mins of happiness + bad breath. Not bad.

£2.50 donation = supporting someone living with MND + 12 hours of happiness for you (it's guaranteed, I promise...)

Thank you for your continued support, it is appreciated by the entire family. Let’s make a difference together.

On behalf of the team and Cedwyn,

Thank you!