I know that times are hard for everyone right now but for some people they are harder than most.

I have started this fundraising page to help a young lady from Co. Antrim. For now the family have requested that she remains anonymous for their privacy but as well for their children.

This lady is 35 years old, she is married with two children under the age of 5.

During her last pregnancy in September 2023, she began to realise some unusual symptoms which could not be explained by her pregnancy. The symptoms persisted throughout her pregnancy and on 20th June 2024 the family received the devastating diagnosis that she had Motor Neuron Disease (MND)

What is Motor Neuron Disease?

Motor neurone disease is a rare condition which affects the brain and nerves. Symptoms include muscle weakness, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. The symptoms progressively get worse over time when the cells in the brain and nerves, called motor neurones, gradually stop working. It's not known why this happens. MND is a dibilatating disease, there is currently no cure, only management of symptoms.

At the age of 35, this young wife and mum now requires 24 hour care. Her husband is currently working, as life carries on, the mortgage needs to be paid along with all other every day expenses that a young family has, while family and carers attend to his wife during the daytime and look after their two children.

What this fundraising effort hopes to achieve?

The family are at a stage now that they need specific help when they would like to leave the home. The family and carers currently lift the lady from her wheelchair in and out of a car but this is uncomfortable for her and not sustainable for the family. They have looked at purchasing a vehicle which could be adapted to her needs however this can take several months and unfortunately due to her symptoms this might not be an option open to the family.

1 - It is hoped that the fundraising could purchase a suitable wheelchair adapted vehicle with a minimum of 4 or 5 additional seats for the whole family to go out together. Funds raised will help with day trips or weekends away when her condition allows so that the family can create lasting memories for mum, dad and the children.

2 - To ease financial burden on the young family living on one wage and to maybe allow Dad to take some compassionate leave or career break to be at home with Mum and the children as symptoms progress.