June 2026 Special Days
Meet Andrew...
Former BBC news reporter Andrew Hartley gave the speech of his life at his brother’s wedding in April – four months after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Having initially feared the disease may affect his voice, Andrew was delighted to be able to fulfil his promise to his brother and celebrate the happy couple’s special day with family and friends.
Andrew shared his story with us in March 2026.
My special day
My brother had been my best man when I married my wonderful wife Dawn in 1992, so when he asked me to do the same, I was very worried.
Having been told at the time it was highly likely I had MND, and understanding how it can affect people, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do it. But I’m thrilled to say I did - and it was a triumph.
It was an extremely emotional day for everyone, but it was wonderful.
My career
I'm Andrew. I am 63 years old.
I was a reporter who joined the BBC from the Journal newspaper in Newcastle in 1989. I had a variety of roles for the BBC in the North East and Cumbria - leaving in March 2025 after 36 years.
Those roles included radio reporting and producing, News Editor, Newsgathering Editor, current affairs producer (on the regional investigative show Inside Out) and from 2016 News Correspondent for Look North.
Early symptoms and diagnosis
I first noticed symptoms around the time I left the BBC. At that stage it was just minor mobility issues with my right hand. I thought it might be something relatively benign like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or that it might have been caused by excessive cycling.
In September 2025 after the symptoms had worsened slightly, I saw my GP. She noticed fasciculations in my shoulders and referred me to see a Neurologist at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newscastle. After an examination, he told me in late September that it was 'highly likely' that I had MND. After tests he concluded there was no other plausible explanation for my symptoms.
In December the MND Specialist Consultant confirmed the diagnosis.
Once my diagnosis was confirmed, I was quick to email everyone in the newsroom and they have been so supportive.
I’ll be forever grateful to my family and friends for their support.
The impact of MND
Since the diagnosis, the main battle has been mental rather than physical. The symptoms seemed quite minor and it didn’t affect my ability to exercise or any of my other hobbies.
The symptoms have progressed a little, particularly in my hands and I sometimes struggle with basic tasks like turning keys, stiff zips, lifting and so on. The specialist physiotherapist has noticed some weakness in my quads and arms.
But for the time being I am still able to crack on with my life and still exercise every day - mainly cycling but also swimming and running (just a little more slowly!)
I am a massive Newcastle United fan and happily sing my heart out at every home game.
I believe the progression of my MND is slow and I continue to live life as best I can.
Raising awareness of MND
I had been aware of MND for some time having interviewed Kevin Sinfield when he visited St James’ Park in Newcastle for one of his ultra marathons. I remember vividly how strong, stoic and clear-eyed he was about the challenge. He’s a remarkable man.
My wife, a GP for 40 years, has only seen a very small number of people with MND.
I always felt part of an extended family at the BBC and missed them a great deal after I left. Everyone in the Newsroom has been so supportive and I have been inundated with messages and letters of support. One of those messages - an email from my former colleague, Rachel - suggested a walk/run relay of the entire length of Hadrian Wall.
I had been thinking of ways to raise money for the MND Association so jumped at the idea. We asked for volunteers from the newsrooms across the region and more than 50 people signed up.
Since then friends and family have also volunteered and we are now in the process of putting names to each of the 16 sections.
Rachel has had the task of pouring over a map of the route dividing it into 16 sections, devising a timetable and putting names to each section. I'm so grateful to her and everyone for their support.
