For those that know Alan and those that don’t.

Alan was diagnosed in Dec 2017 with Fronto Temporal Dementia (FTD) and Motor Neuron Disease (MND). He was told there is no treatment and no cure. It was devastating to hear he was diagnosed with 2 major diseases!

FTD has affected his behaviour and parts of his memory. He finds it hard to remember words and he now has no ability to read other people’s feelings . 

MND had caused his muscles to waste away slowly, making him unable to use his arms and hands. It continues to affect his respiratory muscles and the rest of the muscles in his body. There is no stopping what is happening. 

Previously he loved the outdoors, all sports, especially golf, skiing, sailing and walking, which he often participated in with his family and his friends. Alan's mobility ended suddenly but despite all of this he has not complained. He continues to manage to do what he can, particularly getting outside into the natural environment wherever he can go in his electric wheelchair.

With this in mind we wanted to raise some funds to help support MND research through the MND Association and to support John Taylor Hospice who along with so many have been a pillar of support throughout Alan’s journey .

'This Rubbish Disease' is not only a headline to highlight how tough FTD paired with MND is and continues to be, it also headlines the fundraising event we want to run over 2021 to raise funds and awareness for these two wonderful charities. 

We are keen to help improve the outdoors around where we live. During COVID many have found solace in the nature, yet rubbish is unfortunately increasing and spoiling the areas where we live. Alan (with support) is going to litter pick during his daily walks to help improve the routes he loves to take in his electric wheelchair each day. 

We are planning to litter pick and piece by piece remove the rubbish that lines our walks. To our friends, thank you for visiting this page and we would love it if you would like to sponsor Alan to complete this 2021 goal, even a couple of pounds could help to see research towards a cure for these horrible diseases continue. Better still, join us and litter pick when you are out and about on your local walks. ** This could be a one off event or multiple times in 2021.

We have both a Facebook page and an Instagram Page to share our walks and litter picking. We would love you to join us with pictures and videos to spread awareness and improve our outdoor spaces along with raising some funds.

Thank you so much,

Liz, Alan and his children x

If you would like to know more about the charities please visit the websites below : 

https://www.johntaylorhospice.org.uk

https://www.mndassociation.org

* Due to Covid, if you wish to take part in the litter pick, please stay safe. Protect yourself by wearing gloves or using a litter picker and do not pick up anything you are unsure about. We would love for you to get involved if you feel comfortable - even one plastic bottle placed in a bin helps :)