Terry Mountford ALS MND Fund

James and Carmel Hayden are organising this fundraiser on behalf of their brother-in-law Terry Mountford.

Terry and Liz have been married for 24 years, they have one son and two daughters and recently became proud “young” grandparents. 

In September 2020, the month Terry turned 47 years old, he began noticing muscle twitching in his upper limbs and mild weakness in his left hand.  Within a few weeks, the symptoms began to effect his speech where he was having difficulty pronouncing words with more than 2 or 3 syllables.

That led to his wife Liz, a nurse, making medical appointments for him and having various diagnostic tests completed in search for answers.  It was in early December 2020 when the answers came and confirmed Terry’s diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND).  This was devastating news to receive and both he and Liz while trying to absorb the implications of his diagnosis tried where possible to remain positive around their son and daughters.  However, the diagnosis of ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease), the most advanced form of MND followed one month later in January 2021.  That was another heart-breaking blow.

ALS is a progressive disease that attacks the motor neurones or nerves that control the muscles that enable a person to move, speak, swallow and breathe.  Despite several medical trials that are underway, unfortunately, there is still no cure for this terminal illness.

The advancement of ALS for Terry has been rapid and life altering in just the few short months since his first symptoms and diagnosis.   

Terry’s speech has deteriorated significantly and he is now communicating using eye gaze technology.   He is reliant on Liz and his children to assist with normal daily activities such as feeding, washing and dressing.  He has lost the power in his left arm and has limited strength in his right arm. His mobility has also deteriorated.  His ever-changing needs mean that he requires support with everyday living. 

Terry has worked for the same company for 17 years but sadly due to the fast progression of his condition he has had to call time on his job and a career he loved.  This has been a great loss to all his colleagues who worked alongside him and to the customers and business colleagues who had the opportunity to work with him over the years.  This is yet another life transition for Terry that has come prematurely as part of this devastating disease.  Liz, his wife and best friend has put her nursing career to one side to give full-time care to Terry meaning the loss of both their incomes.