Raising funds for Tony Cesay who now has MND

A few months ago I received a call from my long time friend and fellow boxer Tony Cesay ( 4 Times London ABA Champion and national ABA champion) informing me that he had Motor Neurone disease .

Apparently it was year or so earlier, his initial seemingly innocuous symptoms (tingling sensation in one finger & difficulty transitioning from a jog to a sprint) were passed off as trapped nerves & finally getting old! Then in Jan 2024, he began experiencing problems with his balance.

There is no diagnostic test for MND. It’s a case of ruling out other neurological conditions via scans, nerve testing and clinical examinations.

The diagnosis in March was shocking and surreal. It’s been tough for Tony to come to terms with and he’s only recently shared his news wider than very close family and friends.

As you may know, MND is a terminal, rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It attacks the nerves that control movement so muscles no longer work, and it can leave people locked in a failing body, unable to move, talk, swallow and eventually breathe. There is NO cure. The only drug licensed in the UK to slow down progression was approved in 2001 & it’s effectiveness is unknown. Simplistically it may extend life by a few months.

Tony has the most common form of MND known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) which affects both upper & lower motor neurones. The prognosis is 2 to 5 yrs life expectancy after symptom on-set.

Shockingly, his symptoms have rapidly progressed since March. He now has limited use of his arms and needs help with personal care, dressing, toileting & eating. He is still mobile, but can only walk short distances and is now a wheelchair user.

It’s been a very tough 12 months, constantly battling the NHS, etc. for help/support. BUT he, his partner and family are trying to remain positive and live life as fulfilled as possible.

There is a lot of research, on-going worldwide to find a cure, so they remain hopeful. In the meantime, Tony is doing everything he can to try to slow down the progression of his illness and alleviate his symptoms using a combination of neuro physio & rehabilitation, massaging/ stretching, exercising, various meds prescribed and non-prescribed.

Tony has been a close friend for nearly 40 years and is one of the most recognizable figures on the boxing scene- always laughing, smiling, dancing and always dressed in a funky outfit – he has always been a larger than life character .

Over the years he has helped and mentored so many young children- and has always given his time to help young people in the community. As the months move on things are getting progressively harder and Tony will need more assistance and equipment. We are arranging a fundraiser on Friday Oct 3rd but I have set up this page for those people who would like support Tony- and help someone who has always helped others.

Any donations to help Tony fund his treatments and help with his home adaptations would be gratefully appreciated.

Colin McMillan BEM

World Featherweight Champion