As a family, we were trying to stay a step ahead of the condition
passed away peacefully at home, with his wife and his children by his side.”
David admits the family felt “numb” after Phelim’s death.
“We were stunned,” he recalls. “My mum’s strength, in what was an unbelievably cruel situation, inspired us all. She held the family together, despite her own ailing health.”
With help from MND Scotland, the family secured a package of care for Christine which would help her to stay at home with as much independence as possible.
“We had continuous support from the charity throughout,” says a grateful David, “but most especially in the time after Dad passed away. The counselling service provided wonderful comfort and understanding in those dark days.”
Just over a year later, Christine died, aged 64.
“As difficult as it was losing her in such tragic circumstances, we all realised how well she had lived her life, in particular after her diagnosis,” says David. “At every twist and turn of Mum’s MND journey, MND Scotland were there for us. Now it is time for me to do all I can for them.”
Iain McWhirter, MND Scotland’s head of fundraising, said: “I’d like to thank David for speaking out and sharing his experience. Losing both parents within the space of a year is something no family should have to go through.
“It’s because of supporters like David we can continue providing vital practical, emotional and financial support to people affected by MND in Scotland, as well as powering cutting-edge research towards a cure.”
To support David, visit his Just Giving page. More information on MND Scotland is available from the charity’s website at mndscotland.org.uk