Using my knowledge and experience to help people with MND and their carers has become a very rewarding way of life for me.
Ted Parr
My very first knowledge of MND was when my wife was diagnosed with the disease. Having cared for her through so many long, 24-hour, days I believed that I had gained very considerable knowledge and that this should not go to waste. I had received much help and encouragement from my local Branch and it was this that motivated me to take a fuller role. I did not realise then just what my involvement with the local Branch would entail.
Ten years on I find myself a committee member, Association visitor, assistant secretary, newsletter editor, a fundraiser and, perhaps, a future webmaster. As you may well imagine all these positions require a wide range of knowledge and skills which have been acquired in various ways. From my years as a carer, my former life in the military, then in civilian employment. My Association training and last but certainly not least the sharing of knowledge and encouragement of other Branch members.
It might be remarked that, at 86, I have taken on a great deal of work. I would argue to the contrary. Using my knowledge and experience to help people with MND and their carers has become a very rewarding way of life for me. I hope that I may be granted more years of good health to enable me to continue. Over the years I have made many good friends of both those with MND and their carers. Perhaps the greatest motivation for my continuing the work rests in the smiles of pleasure which I see when the Branch has provided some measure of help - no matter how small.
All Branch members contribute in one way or another to the wellbeing of those we support. To volunteer just a few hours of one's time by joining a Branch or Support Group can result in a huge benefit to those who have an incurable disease and those who care for them. Previous experience of MND is not necessary. The desire to help those who are in need is sufficient. I thoroughly recommend it.
