Man Living with Motor Neurone Disease Raises £60,000 for Research, Shares Raw Reality of Illness
September 17, 2025 – David, a man battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND), is urgently calling for increased government funding for research into the debilitating condition, while simultaneously inspiring hope through a deeply personal fundraising effort. He has already collected approximately £60,000 to support MND research adn the work of the MND Association. His campaign isn’t just about raising money; it’s about shattering the silence surrounding a disease that progressively robs individuals of their physical abilities, and highlighting the immense emotional toll it takes on patients and their loved ones.
Motor Neurone Disease, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to muscle weakness, loss of mobility, and difficulty with speech and breathing. There is currently no cure, and the average life expectancy after diagnosis is between two and five years. David’s story underscores the urgent need for breakthroughs in treatment and care, and the critical importance of support for those living with this devastating illness.
“The mental and emotional battle I face every day is the biggest challenge,” David explained, revealing the hidden struggles of living with MND. He described the tendency to conceal the extent of his condition from others, fearing their distress, and acknowledging the inevitable decline in his physical capabilities. “I don’t want others, their families, and friends to go through what I, my family, and friends are experiencing.”
To illustrate the realities of life with MND, David collaborated with a professional photographer to document his daily experiences. The resulting images offer a stark and intimate portrayal of the disease’s progression, including photographs of him receiving nutrition through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube – delivering liquid food directly to his stomach - and utilizing respiratory support equipment. “A picture is worth a thousand words,” david stated, emphasizing the power of visual storytelling to convey the profound impact of MND.
Driven by a lifelong inclination to help others, David now urges everyone to cherish each day and appreciate moments of joy, recognizing the fragility of life. He believes that government investment in MND research is paramount. “I may not have long left, but I’m not just going to sit and wait,” he asserted. “The government needs to contribute more to finding a treatment for this horrific disease. This isn’t just down to one person; it’s down to all of us, as a team.”
david remains optimistic,believing that collective effort can bring about meaningful change. The funds he has raised will directly benefit ongoing research and the vital support services provided by the MND Association.
(data sourced from the Mirror)
