June 30, 2016 5.06 pm This story is over 93 months old

Afflicted Lincoln man aims to make motor neurone disease awareness his legacy

Paul Crowdey has lost the ability to talk, speak and walk, but he refuses to let this stop him from raising funding and awareness of Motor Neurone Disease as part of his legacy. Paul, 37, was diagnosed with the disease in January 2015, which breaks down the body’s specialist nerve cells in the brain and…

Paul Crowdey has lost the ability to talk, speak and walk, but he refuses to let this stop him from raising funding and awareness of Motor Neurone Disease as part of his legacy.

Paul, 37, was diagnosed with the disease in January 2015, which breaks down the body’s specialist nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in loss of control of important muscle activity.

His mother had also suffered from the illness before she passed away.

Paul lives with his wife George and two daughters Annie, 17, and Emily, seven, in Potterhanworth near Lincoln.

So far Paul has raised £14,268.62 on his JustGiving Page, which will go to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Paul lives in Lincoln with his wife, George and daughters Annie and Emily. Photo: Paul Crowdey Blog

Paul lives in Lincoln with his wife, George and daughters Annie and Emily. Photo: Paul Crowdey Blog

Motor neurone disease is a rare condition which affects around two in every 100,000 people in the UK each year.

Motor Neurone Diesease affects:

  • Gripping
  • Walking
  • Speaking
  • Swallowing
  • Breathing

The aim for Paul and his family is to raise awareness of the disease, which is “severely underfunded in the UK”.

Paul said: “I will fight and be here for as long as I can. With the support of my beautiful wife, my girls and my entire family, we’ll enjoy whatever time I have left.

Paul with wife, George. Photo: Paul Crowdey JustGiving Page

Paul with wife, George. Photo: Paul Crowdey JustGiving Page

“Unfortunately MND is severely underfunded in the UK and this has to change.
“It’s clear that it doesn’t just affect old people as most people think, it can affect anybody at anytime.
“It also doesn’t just affect the person living with it, it affects all those around us that we care for most.
Photo: Paul Crowdey Blog

Photo: Paul Crowdey Blog

“I’m going to meet people this year and when I give up work more people will know about me and see my face. It’s the only way to raise more awareness of this disease.
“I can’t hide at home as that’s the wrong way to go. I’ll get George to move me around and you’ll see us.”

To donate to his cause, visit Paul’s JustGiving Page. People can also follow Paul’s journey on his blog.