Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page supporting the MND Association. Please take a few moments to read my story about how MND has impacted on my life.

On 25th November 2022 our lives were completely turned upside down when Ian, my wonderful partner, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Like many people we had heard of the disease through the amazing efforts of Kevin Sinfield. I had even cheered him on in November 2021, when he ran his 101 mile challenge from Leicester to Leeds. He stopped for a break in Clowne, at the supermarket where Ian and I did our shopping. However, we had no idea what living with MND entailed.

When Ian received his diagnosis in the Hallamshire hospital I barely remember anything our consultant said. The only thing I remember being told was that it was a life limiting disease. “At worst Ian would have 3 months, but that’s rare. At best he would have 10 years, but that’s rare. Average life expectancy would be 2/3 years”. Ian bravely battled with MND for 6 months.

Looking back over the months before MND was confirmed the signs were there. Ian used to get very tired and was admitted to hospital with a suspected stroke in August 2022. How I wish now, that it was a stroke! Further tests ruled out a stroke, but the weakness in his arms continued. His muscles had also started twitching involuntarily. A series of tests were carried out over the next two and half months which led to his diagnosis.

With motor neurone disease, messages from the motor neurones gradually stop reaching the muscles. This leads the muscles to weaken, stiffen and waste, which can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. The progression of Ian’s disease was extremely fast, which I was not prepared for. It seemed like changes occurred weekly. I will be forever grateful for the support we received from the NHS, carers and the MND Association.

Ian sadly lost his battle on 24th May 2023, 6 months after his diagnosis. Life without Ian will be hard. He brought so much joy and laughter into my life. He was a true gentleman, who loved his family and friends and he will be sorely missed.

One thing I hope for is that a cure will be found for Motor Neurone Disease. Six people are diagnosed every day with MND, yet the numbers of people fighting the disease remains constant, around 5,000!

Please help me and Ian’s family raise money for the fight against this horrendous disease.

By sponsoring me your money will help people affected by Motor Neurone Disease. Once you donate, JustGiving will send your money directly to the MND Association. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure, your details are safe - they'll never sell them or send unwanted emails.

Thank you again, Sheryl x