Former pilot hopes to raise MND awareness Disease forced retirement

A helicopter pilot who had to give up flying due to a devastating disease has shared his story to help raise awareness of the condition.

Colin Jones, from Westhill, Aberdeenshire, served in the RAF for 13 years before working in the North Sea helicopter industry for close to 30 years.

However, the 60-yearold’s world was turned upside down in January last year when he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) after he began experiencing muscle fatigue and aching arms.

MND is a life-limiting illness which attacks the nervous system, leading to speech and breathing problems and often paralysis.

In the wake of his diagnosis, Mr Jones – who is married with three children and two grandchildren – was forced to give up his pilot’s licence and also his job as head of ground operations at a major helicopter firm.

Now he has decided to share his experience living with the terminal illness, as today marks the start of MND Awareness Week.

He said: “When I decided I had to retire I was reluctant, saddened and pleased simultaneously. I was a workaholic because I loved my job but I just wasn’t doing it justice with my symptoms worsening.”

Mr Jones now suffers from severe cramping and twitching in his limbs, which has weakened him and inhibits his ability to get around.

While this has been difficult for him to come to terms with, he has praised the work of MND Scotland, and a local support group.

He said: “I go to MND Scotland’s support group in Aberdeen with Shirley and our daughter Stephanie. Here we have met other sufferers in a similar situation. The group provides very caring, professional, practical, emotional and organisational support.”

This week donations of £5 can be made to MND Scotland by texting CUREMND to 70660.

“The group gives caring practical and emotional support”

SPEAKING OUT: Colin Jones, 60, has motor neurone disease, which attacks the central nervous system and is life-limiting