To help Kate: Battling MND with care, love & dignity

Many of you may not know about Kate’s current situation, as she does an incredible job of hiding her condition in her posts. However, on her 37th birthday, Kate shared the heartbreaking reality she’s been facing.

In May this year, Kate was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), a devastating condition that has progressed rapidly over the past six months. She is now completely wheelchair-dependent with limited mobility. Despite the challenges, Kate continues to face life with extraordinary courage and positivity, determined to make the most of every moment.

A life turned upside down

Kate is navigating this journey alone after losing both her parents - her mum 11 years ago, tragically also to MND, and her dad just four years ago. At 37, she has had to quit her dream job as a teacher, a career she worked so hard for by going back to university as an older student to achieve her goal. Teaching wasn’t just a job for Kate, it was her passion. Losing it has been devastating.

Although Kate had comprehensive life insurance to protect herself, her claim was declined due to a technical formality, leaving her under significant financial pressure. While she is appealing through the Financial Ombudsman, there’s no guarantee of success. Meanwhile, Kate is managing a mortgage, bills, and the mounting costs of living with MND, all while relying on benefits that fall far short of covering her needs.

The fight for independence

Because Kate owns her home, she doesn’t qualify for free social care, putting her in an impossible position. The thought of losing control over who cares for her in her own home is terrifying, so she has been doing her best to manage with help from friends, family, and paid private care. Unfortunately, her care needs are increasing rapidly, and it’s becoming clear that a private care team is essential to provide the consistent, personalised support she needs to maintain her independence and quality of life.

So far, Kate has had to fund essential adaptations herself, including an electric bed (£3,500) and a stairlift (£1,000), after the council refused to cover these costs, citing the progressive nature of her disease as “not cost-effective.” The financial strain doesn’t end there - future adaptations, such as installing an accesible bathroom, will cost several thousand pounds more, adding further pressure to an already overwhelming situation.

Kate is doing everything she can to make the most of every moment and live out her bucket list. But the reality is heartbreaking. She is facing the prospect of building up debt just to meet her basic care needs while confronting a future where she may be confined to her home. For anyone who knows Kate, this is devastating - travel and new experiences have always brought her so much happiness.

She shouldn’t have to face a reality where she is isolated in her home, living alone, with her world shrinking around her. Kate deserves so much more - dignity, independence, and the ability to continue finding joy in the time she has left.

Why we need your help

Private care is expensive, and Kate needs a dedicated team to provide the personalised support required for her to remain in her home. She also needs smart equipment to stay connected to the world, physiotherapy and massages to improve her quality of life, and ongoing home adaptations. While grants through the MND Association may help with some costs, they are slow , limited and not guaranteed.

Kate’s generosity and strength

Kate has spent her life giving back to others, consistently fundraising for the MND Association after losing her mum to the same disease and supporting many other charities over the years. She has the biggest heart and the kindest soul, always putting others before herself.

Earlier this year, Kate raised over £1,000 for MNDA by completing a sponsored skydive - an incredible achievement given that MND had already taken hold, leaving her without the use of her left arm. Despite the risks, including the potential for dislocation, she made the leap, demonstrating her tenacity, courage, and unwavering determination to make a difference.

Kate is incredibly reluctant to let me do this because she hates the idea of asking for help. But if anyone deserves support, it’s her. She has spent her life lifting others and always putting their needs ahead of her own. Now she’s the one who needs help. Life has dealt her the cruelest hand imaginable, yet she faces every challenge with the strength of a hero, inspiring everyone who knows her.

This isn’t just about helping someone in need - it’s about standing by someone who has always shown extraordinary kindness and strength and showing her the same support she has given to so many.

How you can help

This fundraiser will provide Kate with the funds she needs to:

• Access a consistent and personalised private care team

• Adapt her home, including the bathroom, to meet her needs

• Invest in smart equipment to stay connected and maintain independence

• Access physiotherapy, massages, and other treatments to improve her quality of life

I have set the initial goal at £5,000 as I know that Christmas time may be a struggle but I hope that we can smash this and raise this to provide ongoing support.

Kate has been through so much, and this support will give her the chance to live with dignity, independence, and the quality of life she truly deserves.

Thank you for your support.

Thank you for taking the time to read Kate’s story. Any support you can offer, whether by donating or sharing this page, it will make a profound difference in her life. I also have a few ideas for fundraising events which I will share in the next couple of weeks - any ideas and offers of help are welcome. You can get in touch with me by email at [email redacted].

Let’s rally together for Kate, just as she has always done for others. Let's spread the word and help to ease some of the worries and pressure she is facing every single day xx