The Felix Fund

We're raising money in memory of my dad, Felix (the legend) to buy a Cough Assist Machine for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) sufferers in Northern Ireland. 


What is MND (ALS)?

MND (or ALS as you may know it) is a life-shortening illness where the nerves in your brain and spinal cord gradually stop telling your muscles to move.

The rate at which it progresses can vary dramatically, there is no cure and it can be very difficult to diagnose in the early stages. In fact, diagnosis is only achieved through ruling out other illnesses first. Because it affects everyone in different ways and symptoms can appear in any order, it's an incredibly difficult disease to manage.


Why am I doing this?

For my dad, he knew there was a problem when he started to struggle with every day tasks and suffered from shortness of breath.  From diagnosis, he was told that he had 6 months to live but fought on for 2 years until he passed away in June 2017. Over those two years he gradually lost his ability to move, to breath unassisted, to swallow and (what hurt him the most) to speak.

This was especially hard for my dad as he was always the life and soul of the party. Anyone who knew him would tell you that he was always full of jokes, silly songs and plenty of stories.

In those last few weeks of his life he was in desperate need of a Cough Assist machine but never got one. While I can not be sure, myself and my family believe that this would have, at the very least made him more comfortable in his final days and maybe even given us a little more time.


What is the money for?

Simple... We're raising funds to buy a Cough Assist machine for Marie Curie in Northern Ireland.  Cough Assist Machines help to clear secretions from the lungs by helping patients with their breathing. When they breathe in, the machine gives them air to help expand your lungs. If we can make another MND sufferer more comfortable or give them a little more time with their family, then it's worth the effort.


How you can help?

We need £4,000 to buy the Cough Assist Machine and will keep going until we get there. Any donation is greatly appreciated and all the funds will go directly towards buying the machine.


Thank you!

Samantha