Carol’s Motor Neurone Disease Story

Hello, my name is Arianne and I am fundraising for Carol, my boyfriend’s mum. Carol has devastatingly been diagnosed with Bulbar Onset Motor Neurone Disease in November 2023 at 59 years old.

What is Motor Neurone Disease?

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) causes messages from the motor neurones to stop reaching the muscles. This leads the muscles to weaken, stiffen and waste, which can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. MND is life-shortening and there is no cure. Although the disease will progress, symptoms can be managed to help achieve the best possible quality of life. Bulbar onset MND occurs in about 20% of those affected and, typically, life expectancy is between six months and three years from onset of symptoms.

A little bit about Carol:

Carol is a very kind and generous lady who has been an amazing single mum to her two sons, James and Harry. Although her diagnosis has been heartbreaking, Carol has managed to remain strong and resilient and is a true role model for those around her.

Carol had been working full time at a Garden Centre and had previously worked as a florist for many years. Since her diagnosis Carol has cut back her working hours and is currently working 3 days a week, however will eventually have to stop working altogether.

Due to the symptoms of MND, Carol has been struggling with deteriorating speech, swallowing and chewing for the past year. Recently, her symptoms have progressed and she now finds herself struggling with her balance and drop foot, resulting in her needing a walking stick. Unfortunately, Carol also has Rheumatoid Arthritis which makes dealing with these symptoms even more difficult.

I am hoping to raise money through this GoFundMe for Carol and her two sons so they can enjoy the time they have together without worrying about day to day financial struggles, and enable them to create memories they will cherish forever. Carol and her family are hoping to visit Scotland this summer as it is somewhere she has always wanted to explore. Donations will also help Carol and her family to transform their home into an accessible and wheelchair friendly space, as Carol wishes to do as much for herself for as long as she can.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Any donations are very much appreciated.

Please share to your friends and family! :)