‘Being positive is the only choice I’ve got’ says mayor with MND
MAYOR OF Luddenden Stephen Parker remembers the exact time and day he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
He had gone to an appointment expecting more of the tests he had been having to investigate why he was swaying when he walked, only to be told he had the progressive, currently incurable disease.
”My wife broke down and was asking if the doctor was sure he’d got the right person,” said Mr Parker, 54.
MND affects everyone differently and Mr Parker’s progression is considered slow because, while he has lost some strength and has had to stop driving, he can still walk.
“Everybody says I’m positive about it but that’s the only choice I’ve got,” he said.
“It’s a case of right, you’ve got it, now get on with it. It’s a progressive disease and it’s only going one way.
“You have to deal with the hand you’ve been given. MND doesn’t give you any other choice. The biggest choice you’ve got is how you deal with it.”
Mr Parker is dedicating his year as mayor to raising funds for the MND Association, whose research and campaigning has recently been highlighted by rugby league legend and MND patient Rob Burrow.
This year’s mayor making collected £6,700 - more than double last year’s total.
He has more events planned, including a curry challenge and a wheelchair pub crawl.
To donate, visit https://www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ luddendenmayormnda.
FOR PEOPLE with MND, messages from the motor neurones gradually stop reaching the muscles.
This leads the muscles to weaken, stiffen and waste. MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. Some people also experience changes to their thinking and behaviour.
Not all symptoms will affect everyone, or in the same order. Symptoms also progress at varying speeds, which makes the course of the disease difficult to predict.
MND is life-shortening and there is currently no cure. Symptoms can be managed to help achieve the best possible quality of life.