I don’t often post on social media. Some events put things into perspective. I’ve had the privilege to work with amazing colleagues over the years, and Andrew is one of them. If you have a couple of minutes, please read his story below. My colleagues and friends are moving and shaking it all about to make a difference. I’m pledging to do 150 miles this week. If you are able to make a donation, a share or a shout out, your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you x  

Andrew’s Story, in his words – Everything Is Changing

You go through life assuming you will be in control of your own destiny and every day will be much like the previous one, but then something happens and bang! Everything has changed.

On 16th June, the diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease smashed into my life. Although I have known something was not right for a couple of years, I never thought it would be that.  MND is rare - only 5000 people in the UK have it and 1,100 are diagnosed with it each year. 

As a result, more recently, I have gone from a position of being active and able to protect and care for my family, to being the one who is cared for, one who cannot do the things they used to do.  Our plans have changed, the future is now about modifications, getting help, making things easier. I worry about the speed this is progressing, my arms are getting weaker, my once strong core is now a mush.  Will that holiday I’ve just had be my last abroad in the campervan? How much longer will I be able to walk?  To talk?

In this recent scorching summer weather, I have to admit I have watched with envy those cycling or doing water sports, or even those enjoying a drink in the pub (another cruel twist of fate is I have a minor heart condition which is triggered by alcohol – so it is best avoided).

But then I remind myself how fortunate I am.  I am surrounded and encased by love.  My family, who are doing an amazing job of looking after me.My friends inside and outside of work, who have wanted to

help in any way they could. The most wonderful thing is not having to
ask. Simple thoughtful things like my wife putting a toothbrush in
the downstairs bathroom so I don’t have to go upstairs after breakfast. 

Or bigger responses like this Miles for MND event, that a number of you setup with nothing from me except my gratitude'. What an exceptional place Novuna is to work! Inevitably a big concern has been my job and my future here, but I have been moved by colleagues and ExCo who have been overwhelmingly supportive, going way beyond my expectations.

Oh and the care from the NHS has been brilliant as well- if the NHS was an airline I would be in First Class right now.  They are helping me keep one step ahead of this thing as it progresses.  The MND Association who work alongside the NHS have also been excellent, answering all my inevitable questions and providing carer support to my wife.  They have enabled me to early on bank my voice (https://youtu.be/NTN0uZxwu7s), in case I lose it in the future.

All in all, I am getting on with the business of living well with this.  

I have a comfortable life and I’d say I have done more than most 51-year-olds in terms of travel, adventure and downright fun.   I intend to
continue to do the same, with maybe just some minor alterations.  All of you make this much easier to live with.

So, everything has changed but also nothing has changed.

I’m touched by everyone’s generosity, and I am really looking forward to this event, fantastic to get everyone together being active and I will work out a way I can contribute those miles (it may involve a little bit of cheating with an e-bike). 

Andrew Herbert