100km Yorkshire Challenge in Memory of David Hirst

As many of you will all know, we lost my Dad, David Hirst, to Motor Neurones Disease on 6th April 2022.  

In July 2021, David Hirst was diagnosed with Motor Neurones Disease, specifically Bulbar. This type of MND involves degeneration of upper and lower motor neurones from that area and is life limiting. These motor neurones are responsible for innervating the muscles of the tongue, pharynx and larynx, and so the symptoms of progressive bulbar palsy include wasting, weakness or stiffness of the tongue, difficulty with speaking and swallowing and then progressing to significant weight loss.

After Dad's diagnosis, he deteriorated significantly in a short amount of time. Mostly with speech, weight loss, and fatigue, leading to him having to receive his nutrition, fluids, and medicines through a PEG (a feeding tube). Dad remained strong, upbeat and positive throughout his illness which was inspiring for all to see. He was a truly special man. 

It is now time to get this page going again and continue to raise money and awareness for this awful disease. Therefore myself, Tom Coull and Fintan McGarron will be participating in the 100km Yorkshire Challenge on July 23rd/24th 2022 which will roughly take around 24 hours to complete. The support and donations raised so far have been amazing so another push to raise money and awareness in memory of Dad will mean so much to my family and I. 

 

 

Thank you.