On Monday 18th April, our Co-Founder sadly passed away after a brave battle with Motor Neurone Disease. Everyone was truly heartbroken. Chris was a fighter and a special man. He was and is an inspiration for so many. He was passionate about trying to help others affected by MND.

Since Chris was diagnosed in 2015, he made it his focus to do everything he could to have a positive impact on MND. He helped create the Facebook group, MND Warriors. The group brought people together who were diagnosed with MND, family members of someone with MND or a carer of someone with MND. It created a support network for those battling the disease.

Chris did all he could to raise awareness of MND, inspiring so many people. He gave strength to others who were diagnosed. He led the way in how to fight and battle MND. His motto was to “adapt and overcome.” Every hurdle and obstacle that the disease threw at Chris, he approached it head on and took the fight to MND. He was there in times of need for so many at their darkest and toughest times. Chris’s legacy lives on and he will forever be in our hearts. We will now do everything we can to continue his amazing work.

My Diagnosis

In June 2015 I was diagnosed with Motor neurone disease (ALS) after over a year a year of progressive symptoms. At the time of diagnosis I was doing contract work for NATO in Afghanistan, prior to this I served in the British Military (RAF). Four weeks after diagnosis I returned to Afghanistan and completed my final tour before medically retiring in October 2015 aged 32.

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My Physical Condition

Since the onset of symptoms in 2014 I have steadily progressed to my current physical condition. I’m unable to walk or even stand and my arms and hands have virtually no movement, only having enough strength to control my wheelchair. I’ve lost the ability to swallow food and has resulted in having a feeding tube fitted for nutritional intake. I can no longer breathe on my own and require 24/7 life support ventilation. Finally I’m losing the ability to communicate as my voice becomes increasingly weaker and less understandable.

Along the way I’ve been admitted to hospital with a collapsed lung, secretion blockage in my chest and several times for stitches from falling due to leg weakness. All the physical symptoms have occurred whilst my mind and brain are not affected. I’m the same person who went the gym, played football and proudly served my country as I become increasingly locked inside my own body.

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