Sadly, Lucy lost her fight against MND on 27 April 2007, aged 25. The MND Association’s thoughts and best wishes are with Lucy’s family.
I first started noticing problems in May 2004.
The doctor initially thought it was a trapped nerve and referred me to a specialist.
That appointment was in the September, by which time my arms and legs were weak.
"I just want to enjoy life and be happy for as long as I can." A series of blood tests, an MRI scan and a lumbar puncture revealed that I had MND.
The diagnosis was absolutely heartbreaking. Carol, my mum, had suspected it was MND. We knew my symptoms matched but because I was so young, we were hoping against hope that it was something else.
My neurologist said ‘You won’t get old bones’. Some might have been shocked by these words but I really appreciated his no nonsense honesty.
Since then, MND has turned my life upside down. I have moved into a specially adapted home, which has widened doors, a lift and a bath hoist. My mum does everything for me now. She dresses me, cuts my food up and even baths me. I wish I wasn’t so dependent on her. I always used to be such an outgoing, sociable person.
Constantly explaining what MND is can be emotionally exhausting. Younger people don’t understand and grown men have broken down and cried in front of me. I’ve been pitied, which I hate, and some people who I’ve known for years have completely blanked me. I’ve found this very difficult and upsetting, because I haven’t changed. I’m still me.
I’m not a strong believer in God but I do believe things happen for a reason. At the end of the day this is the path that has been chosen for me and I just want to enjoy life and be happy for as long as I can.
Sadly, Lucy lost her fight against MND on 27 April 2007, aged 25. The MND Association’s thoughts and best wishes are with Lucy’s family.
