The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A grieving wife has vowed to continue her efforts to raise awareness of a disease which claimed the life of her husband.
Julie Grantham and her family have held several fundraising events for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in the past 18 months since husband Andrew was diagnosed with the condition.
Andrew (50) died last week after three weeks in hospital fighting pneumonia.
It was the latest in a series of illnesses such as chest infections to strike Andrew, and Julie said the latest infection was a battle too far.
She said: “He was in hospital at Christmas with pneumonia and he had fought to recover from that one, but this time I think he had just had enough.”
But Julie said Andrew had been a real fighter since his shock diagnosis in February 2013, remaining determined to do what he wanted to do – as far as his condition would allow.
Just a few short months after his diagnosis, the Spalding couple got married and just two months ago Andrew had a day out at the stock car racing.
But the speed with which Andrew’s motor neurone disease progressed took the family by surprise, as each day his condition gradually deteriorated, leaving him unable to do many things for himself.
Fortunately, Andrew and Julie had the support of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, which as well as providing advice also gave more direct support in the form of equipment Andrew needed to improve the quality of his life, such as a reclining chair.
Julie said: “The association has helped us a lot and it is still there to offer me any support I need following Andrew’s passing.
“We had slowed down our fundraising efforts recently because Andrew needed me to be there for him, but we will continue to do what we can now to raise money for the charity and awareness of the disease.
“When Andrew was diagnosed I had heard of it but didn’t know anything about motor neurone disease.
“It was a shock and the rate of his decline was so quick – it’s not like that for everyone.”
Andrew’s funeral will be held at St Mary’s Church, Pinchbeck at 1.45pm on Friday, August 15.
Donations will be added to the £4,000 the family has already donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Disease leads to muscle weakness
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive disease that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord.
This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.
MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe.
However, not all symptoms necessarily happen to everyone and it is unlikely they will all develop at the same time, or in any specific order.
Although there is currently no cure for motor neurone disease, symptoms can be managed to help sufferers achieve the best possible quality of life.
