It is with the heaviest hearts that we share the devastating news that our beloved Dan fell asleep peacefully on Wednesday 27th May. Right until the very end, he fought a remarkably courageous battle against Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Our hearts are completely broken.

Moving forward, this page will transition into a memorial page dedicated to keeping Dan’s incredible legacy alive.

Supporting Miranda and the Children

The funds raised here will now focus directly on supporting Dan's incredible wife, Miranda, and their three beautiful children during this unimaginably difficult time. Since Dan’s diagnosis, his young children selflessly stepped into the role of young carers. They bravely helped look after him while witnessing the heartbreaking decline this cruel disease had on their daddy.

MND is an incredibly expensive disease to navigate. Funds will be used to cover the costs of home adaptations that were so vital to ensure Dan remained a true part of family life, as well as essential care Dan received during recent hospital stays that unfortunately were not funded. Because of this immense financial strain, we also want to use your generous donations to provide these three amazing children with ongoing support and special childhood experiences. After carrying such a heavy weight, they truly deserve the space to just be children again.

The Fundraising Events Will Go Ahead

Miranda has been working tirelessly to organise a fundraising fashion show event for Thursday 18th June. Alongside this, the wonderful teachers at the girls' school have organised a danceathon for the week beginning 1st June, which we want to reassure everyone will still be taking place. We are incredibly grateful to the school, and to the many companies who have already donated prizes for the fashion show event. These events will now take place in Dan's honour, serving as a powerful way to celebrate his incredible life. Proceeds from these events will support the family and causes close to our hearts.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your ongoing love, kindness, and generosity. Please continue to share this page, and keep Miranda and the children in your thoughts.

Below is the original story of how our journey began.

Hi, I’m Joanna Pugh, Sister-in-law to Dan (51 years old). I’ve set this fundraiser up because Dan has recently been diagnosed with MND (Motor Neurone Disease). Dan is a proud and hardworking family man with 3 young children and is happily married to his wife, Miranda. He has been a committed public servant for 30 years and has worked hard to keep the public safe as a police officer in Leicestershire Police, before his retirement last year.

Dan, Miranda and their 3 girls embarked on a new life by emigrating to Australia in November 2024 where Dan joined Queensland police. Dan and Miranda had visited Australia on their honeymoon and wanted to create a new life as a family. However, it was whilst out in Australia that Dan became unwell. Numerous tests left them with suggestions but no firm diagnosis of what might be wrong. Dan, Miranda and the girls left Australia in July 2025 to return to the UK so they could have a support network of close family and friends around them at what was an uncertain time. After more tests and an initial misdiagnosis, Dan was given the terrible news that he has definitely got MND in September 2025. It has been an incredibly tough journey for them. In the short time since Dan arrived back in the UK his condition has deteriorated swiftly. Nine weeks ago he could walk and now he isn’t able to get from his wheelchair to a car seat, even with the aid of support. Dan also struggles with everyday tasks that many of us take for granted such as washing and making your own lunch.

MND is a cruel neurological condition which causes muscle weakness, gradually paralysing your body. Recent headlines have seen Lewis Moody diagnosed with the same disease at the age of 47 so there is no telling when or whom it might strike. Despite the incredible work of other victims of this condition, such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, to raise the profile and the awareness of the devastating effects there is still no cure and typical life expectancy is 2-3 years.

The news of this diagnosis has been devastating to Dan, his immediate, wider family and close friends. Dan has always been a very healthy and fit individual and sailed through the medical that was mandatory before their new life in Australia. He has always been interested in sport when at school and at university he loved competing in Rugby matches. He is a life long Nottingham Forest football club supporter. Dan has also competed in many half marathons in the UK and abroad raising money for charities including the Stroke Association and The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

MND has many complexities as it develops. Dan's symptoms are progressing very quickly and he needs adaptations to the family home so that he can live there such as a wet room on the ground floor. He also now needs specialised equipment to help meet his ever changing needs. An adaptive car that accommodates a wheelchair would enable Dan to attend his medical appointments and go out as a family. It is now our turn to help support Dan and his family and show our appreciation for his work serving the public and helping so many others.

We understand that times are tough but if you are able to give any support with this fundraiser we would be incredibly grateful. It will make a huge difference to Dan as all funding raised will be used to help provide the adaptations and equipment he desperately needs.

If you able to share this it would be incredibly helpful to spread the word.