How three letters - MND - completely transformed our world forever
“Our lives were turned upside down, but we’ve chosen to live for the future and make precious memories together...”
At the age of 53, Andrew Chadwick and his wife Joanna’s lives changed forever when he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
The words brought “devastation, shock, and disbelief”. They say it’s hard to imagine how three letters—’MND’ —can completely transform your world.
But Andrew and Joanna’s story is one of strength, hope, and the power of making precious memories.
“There’s no cure, so it’s about making precious memories”
“I first became aware of MND through watching a documentary about Rob Burrow, the rugby player who was diagnosed with the disease,” said Joanna.
“Never did I imagine that this knowledge would become so personally relevant. On June 26 last year, our lives changed forever when my husband Andrew was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) at the age of 53.
“Our lives were turned upside down, but we’ve chosen to live for the future and make so many precious memories together.
“Andrew still gets frustrated at not being able to do the things he use to do, but we now concentrate on the things he can do. We try and overcome the difficulties with a positive approach.
“Since last November, his strength in his arms and legs have become weaker, and it can sometimes take up to half an hour to get dressed.
“But we live each day positively, making memories and raising awareness for MND. There’s no cure, so it’s all about making precious memories and that is all we can do now as we don't know how long we have left.”
Charity night this weekend
Tomorrow (Saturday, June 6), Andrew and Joanna are hosting an 80s-themed charity night at Longton VM Club off School Lane.
The event starts at 7pm and will feature a DJ, hot food, raffle with prizes, fancy dress and other fun competitions to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.