The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A Spalding snooker player who has Motor Neurone Disease has pocketed a place performing at the sport’s World Championships.
Despite struggling to walk as a result of the condition, Nigel Brasier (49) has continued to play the sport he’s loved since he was eight-years-old.
And on April 24 he will be appearing at the sport’s spiritual home, The Crucible in Sheffield, alongside the likes of Ronnie 0’Sullivan and Mark Selby after persuading the governing body to back his fundraising initiative.
Nigel, who volunteers at Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital has raised over £12,000 and awareness for the Motor Neurone Disease charity MND Association since receiving his 2015 diagnosis.
And with World Snooker having chosen MND Association as the charity to benefit from its annual Disability Day as part of the championship, Nigel has been invited to play on the tables in the Winter Garden on April 24.
Nigel said: “I have been raising money for MND Association over the last four years with my very successful annual snooker competition at The Consti Club in Spalding and have been seeking various ways to get much needed awareness.
“It looks like I’ve hit the top spot with it at last. It’s very exciting,” he said.
Father of three Nigel is looking forward to playing his frames on the table where the BBC studios are showing what someone with MND can do.
“MND affects the muscles and nerves which weaken and you become locked inside your own body with only your mind fully functional,” he continued. “If you have the full blown Amyotrophic Lateral sclerosis (ALS) most people die within two years.
“Luckily I have a slower version called Primary Lateral sclerosis (PLS). I am unable to walk very well at the moment and use metal splints and a walking stick to aid me.
“I will live a normal life span but to what capacity I do not know.
“I just try and be as positive as I can and focus on what I can do.”
Nigel is also looking for sponsorship as he is hoping to compete at the World Disability Snooker Championships which is being held in Belgium.
He is looking to raise at least £1,200 to fund his entry into the tournament.
Anybody interested in sponsoring Nigel’s World Disability Snooker Championship season can contact him on batfink90@gmail.com and 07940189720
