Help Barry fight the MND Beast

Barry is 43 years young and is one of the good guys, he’s easy going with a kind heart and a cheeky infectious smile. A loving and devoted father and partner.

He is the baby of the family, one of six children. He has always been fit and healthy and has played football from a young age to his adult life representing many clubs across the North of Tasmania.

Barry has always supported MND and has purchased many big freeze beanies but was devasted to learn a few weeks ago after many months of tests that he has been diagnosed with MND himself.

This was a huge shock to him and his fiancé Jacinta, his three children – Tyler 19, Logan 13 and Matilda 4 and his family.

Barry and Jacinta had just purchased a house 12 months ago with the plans of renovating and had just started to plan their wedding. Life was coming together for him and his family and they had a bright future to look forward to.

Barry’s Timeline

In July 2024 Barry was experiencing tight calf’s and cramps which were becoming more common.

After a trip to Melbourne in July 2024 he had right side calf soreness and behind right knee pain which slowly got worse over coming months.

In January 2025, he was having trouble lifting his foot which a doctor diagnosed as foot drop.

He was referred for MRI scans for his lower back, knee, ankle, and toes over the next couple of months looking for the root cause and possible pre-existing injury.

All scans came back clear and nothing was found.

He was then referred to a neurologist for a nerve conduction study

The nerve conduction study and EMG were completed on May 15 and MND was diagnosed on May 22.

10 months from his first sign to his diagnosis of MND.

Barry has had to stop his full-time employment as he is no longer able to walk without aids to help keep him steady. Barry’s partner is trying to pick up more shifts to cover bills and medical associated costs, although at the same time missing out on valuable time with Barry.

Everyday tasks that we all take for granted are becoming increasingly difficult for Barry.

On top of the physical side of the disease which includes trying to stand, slurred speech and loss of balance there is also the mental aspect of accepting and understanding how hard the road is ahead and the worry of finances as he is unable to support his family is taking a huge toll on Barry.

What is MND – Motor Neurone Disease

You may think of Neale Daniher and the big freeze when you think of MND but do you really know the disease.

We didn’t… it’s brutal, cruel and scary with no cure, the disease can strike anyone it does not discriminate; no two cases are the same.

MND is a progressive degeneration of the motor neurones which leads to

• Weakness and wasting of muscles

• Loss of mobility in the limbs

• Difficulties with speak, swallowing and breathing

• It is 100% fatal

Each day in Australia 2 people die and 2 people are diagnosed with MND.

There are approximately 2600 Australians are living with MND (60% male, 40% female) with around 40 cases in Tasmania.

The Average life expectancy is 27 months after diagnosis.

What you can do to help

As Barry is now facing the challenges of MND while his spirits are high and he tries to remain positive with strong family support he also needs your help.

If you can donate that would be great to help with the financial burden Barry will now be under There is varied medical costs which will be ongoing. His home will require modifications as he will require wheelchair access. Funds will also:

• Ease the costs associated with care and equipment required

• Help with everyday household bills and expenses

• Create memories for Barry and his family

• Provide support for Jacinta and their children for the future

Please help share Barrys’s story, raise awareness of MND and hopefully be part of a cure in the near future

Your support and generosity mean the world to us, any assistance you can provide is greatly appreciated