Call to help dad cope with MND
A Livingston Football Club coach has spoken of his shock after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Dad-of-three David Gardiner (55) from Murieston, was told that he has the muscle wasting-condition just two weeks ago.
He was given the heartbreaking news that his life expectancy will be dramatically shortened and he will probably be in a wheelchair by Christmas.
He’ll also have to give up training Livingston’s pro- youth 15s and his coaching business Sports for Kidz, as well as his involvement with Hibernian in the Community.
Having seen how the condition has taken hold of ex-Rangers star Fernando Ricksen, he admitted that his life will be turned upside down.
But, with the help of nurses from St John’s Hospital, including wife Tracey, he is hoping to take his three children to Florida to make memories.
David said: “I had a car accident last October and was getting the usual neck and back pain. I was getting physio and then in February I started waking up with bad cramps through my left leg. My ankle would lock.
“I thought that was something to do with the accident but it continued and when I was coaching at Livingston FC one Wednesday, showing the boys how to do a movement, my ankle went away from me.”
Various tests on David, including an MRI scan showed nothing and it wasn’t until a more in-depth test at the Royal Hospital in Edinburgh that he was given an accurate assessment.
He said: “It was a shock to the system because the first person I thought about was Fernando Ricksen.
“I asked how quick it would take hold and the doctor told me: ‘It’ll be quick’.
“I’ve not slept. I’m waking up after a couple of hours sleep.
“I know that eventually I’m going to be in a wheelchair, eventually I’m not going to be able to go out and I know that’s how I’m going to die.”
Fortunately for David, he has a strong support network around him, including children Aaron (12), Jak (13), and Aimee (14). Tracey’s colleagues at St John’s Hospital’s day surgery have also set up a Just Giving page and will hold a series of fundraising events.
The events are designed to raise £10,000 - with £ 1000 having been raised within 24 hours. Money raised will help convert the family home into a more disabililty-accomodating space.
And the family of five will be sent off to Florida to enjoy themselves while David can still walk.
Tracey, who was with David when he was given the news, said: “Our world came crashing down in one sentence. Nothing ever prepares you for that. The Just Giving page was set up and there was over £1000 within 24 hours. We’re so taken aback by everybody’s support. We’ve got a bit of time to make some memories so we’ll make the most of it. My ward will do a tombola at the front of St John’s Hospital and there will be hampers being raffled off. They’re thinking of everything and anything.”
Dawn Carmichael, the St John’s nurse who set up the Just Giving page, said: “It would be fantastic if we could raise some funds to go towards the a holiday and the mounting costs of house adaptations.”
Motor neurone disease affects roughly one in 100,000 people, damaging parts of the nervous system, leading to muscle wasting and affecting the ability to walk, grip, speak and breathe.
To donate, visit www. justgiving. com/ crowdfunding/davidgardiner2.
I asked how quick it would take hold and the doctor told me: It’ll be quick