Father from Pilling diagnosed with serious disease as fundraiser organised to help in finding a cure

John Barton, a farmer from Pilling was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, (MND), in June 2021. His daughter Emma Dever, has organised a fundraising event alongside her family in support of the MND Association; a charity focused on improving access to care, research and campaigning for people affected by motor neurone disease.

MND is a life-shortening, rapidly-progressing disease which affects the motor neurons (nerves) that allow the brain and spinal cord to communicate, ultimately affecting the ability of sufferers to walk, talk, eat, drink, breathe, think and behave.

The disease, which currently has no cure, results in a third of sufferers losing their life within a year of diagnosis and more than a half within two years.

Emma and her family have organised the fundraising event, ‘The Barty Party’, which will be held at Pilling Village Hall from 6pm, Saturday September 17, in an attempt to raise much-needed funds to help the MND Association continue research into finding a cure for the disease.

Emma, a veterinary nursing manager, said: “My dad was devastatingly diagnosed with MND in June 2021. As a family, the past 12 months have been Incredibly tough but we have been very lucky to receive so much support from our friends and local community.

“The MNDA has provided lots of information and helped us to network with other families going through this process. They have also provided support with our fundraising event in terms of giving us advice and helping to source some amazing raffle prizes.

“We hope as many people as possible can either buy tickets for the event or donate online, as every penny raised will go to the MNDA to try to find a cure for this awful disease.”

As well as live music and food and drink, The Barty Party will also feature a raffle and auction, with prizes such as a London staycation including travel and £200 travel money, a two-night stay for four people at Kurloon House Retreat, a two-night glamping staycation in Kent and many more.

To find out more information about the event and to buy tickets, visit

https://www.facebook.com/JoinTheBartyParty/.

To donate to Emma’s JustGiving page, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thebartyparty.