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Climbing Riglos Mountains for Della

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I am fundraising for my cousin Della, who suffers from the brutal and unforgiving terminal ALS Disease (Motor Neuron Disease).  

The funds will help towards two key areas: 

- New, experimental (and expensive) drugs available which can slow the progression of ALS, resulting in prolonged life and reduced symptoms
- Specialist equipment to help with Della's level of care and quality of life

There is no cure and researchers still have no insight in to the cause. There is however a glimmer of hope to maximise Della's quality of life through new drugs, which is why I am taking on this challenge.    

Della is a lot of fun, very kind and is lovingly married with two young girls. Coping with ALS continues to be a long, painful journey for Della to endure, which may be just as hard for her family to watch.

On October 24th, I am free-climbing a challenging 300m route up 'La Visera' face, Riglos Mountains, Spain, in Della's name to fundraise for her cause. Any contribution will make a real and positive impact on the quality of Della's life. 

All funds will go directly to Della's medicine and care. 



Della's Story 

In 2014,  Della was on a girls weekend away to celebrate turning 40. During this weekend she fell and little did we know this was the start of the family's world being turned upside down in the most horrendous way.

After coming home the slow but very progressive process began. More falls due to weakening ankles, which developed into drop foot in both feet, very heavy legs that didn't function properly, constant cramping and a feeling of what the hell is happening to me?!

Over the next 2 years Della encountered 11 doctors, both private and social, who tried to diagnose what was going on with a myriad of tests including MRI, CT, Lumbar Puncture, Bloods and EMG. All the while symptoms were worsening and progressing to other parts of her body, such as her arms and hands. 

Even after years of tests and countless specialist appointments, there was still no confirmed diagnosis. No one had any idea what the problem was so Della was referred back to her GP.
As I'm sure you can imagine this was a harrowing time for Della and her family, worsened due to not knowing what was going on. 

In 2016 Della was forced to give in and had to reside to a wheelchair as her balance and strength deteriorated. 

In January 2017, Della was referred to a new neurologist who repeated the MRI and the EMG tests. After comparison to the previous tests our worst fears were confirmed, with a clear diagnosis of ALS, Motor Neurone Disease.  

So now, over 2 years since the official diagnosis, Della is at the stage where she is very limited in what she can do for herself.  It has been a long, painful battle for Della to endure and hard for us all to watch.  

She is in an electric wheelchair full time and needs someone with her to care at all times (usually her devoted husband or family and friends). 

Over the last couple of years the family has adapted their home to make it disabled friendly and  purchased numerous aids including a wheelchair accessible van, an electric hoist, an electric bed and lift chair to name just a few.  However, there is still so much more which can ease the burden of care. 

It is inspiring to see how resilient and strong Della has been throughout, still managing the illness, family and a property business. 

Any contribution to the fundraiser will make a real and positive impact on Della, her husband and childrens life. 


What is ALS?

Motor Neuron Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is a terminal, progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. 

Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS leads to the suffers death over a few years.

When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, people lose the ability to move, speak, eat and breathe.

The motor nerves that are affected when you have ALS are the motor neurons that provide any voluntary movements and muscle control. 

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Donations 

  • Mark Taylor
    • £20 
    • 4 yrs
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Richard Elliott
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