Motor Neuron Disease - Mike Howe, 48

Mike Howe, 48, dedicated husband, father of three - debilitated by Motor Neuron Disease. Please help with donations for Mike Howe who is in advancing stages of MND. A hardworking family orientated person, my great friend of thirty-five years has been struck down with this incurable disease. MND is a progressive disease involving degeneration of the motor neurons and wasting of the muscles. When you walk, talk or chew food, motor neurons are behind these movements - everyday things that we totally take for granted.

Although a struggle, Mike was until recently working to provide for his family, wife Julie, daughters Emily, Jamie and son Adam. He fell while working and was unable to activate his arms or brace himself in anyway for the impact. This resulted in a punctured lung, five broken ribs and a broken shoulder. Mike spent ten days in hospital with the doctors desperately trying to inflate his lungs which they fortunately achieved. All these traumatic events were witnessed by the family. He is now home and requires two carers throughout the day with Julie working tirelessly and somehow maintaining everyday living.

This has put a huge emotional and financial burden on the family. With Mike no longer able to work, any donations to the family would be greatly appreciated.