WHY I SET UP MND CHARITY EVENTS
TO HONOUR MY FATHER DAVID WILSON
Before 2007, my knowledge of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and the MND Association was minimal, aside from a vague awareness due to figures like Stephen Hawking.
However, in 2007, MND struck our family dramatically, with the diagnosis of my father and two of my uncles.
On September 15th, 2018, after an 11-year battle with the disease, my father passed away, still wearing a smile despite the hardship.
MND Charity Events was established to honour my father's life and our family's journey, sharing his story and the memories created along the way.
TO RAISE MONEY AND BUILD AWARENESS
MND currently lacks a cure, and with a life expectancy of one to five years post-diagnosis, and over 50% of individuals passing away within 2 years, it's clear that much more needs to be done.
Through participating in these events, I aim to continue raising funds to support individuals living with MND, including patients and their families. With the collaboration of dedicated professionals, I hope that one day we can find a cure.
To understand how your contributions are utilized, you can view the MNDA Impact Report below.
TO NEVER STOP MAKING MEMORIES
Personally, the prospect of MND becoming part of my own future was a difficult reality to accept. After my father's passing and in the years that followed, I withdrew from running MND Charity Events. It felt too close, and honestly, I was afraid to confront it.
Fortunately, with the encouragement of some incredible individuals, I sought help and confronted my fears. I realized that allowing fear to dominate my thoughts only hindered me.
My father always maintained that many faced greater challenges than him. I strive to uphold that mindset, embracing life, building memories, and growing through adversity, much like my dad did with his love for adventure and self-discovery.
As DJ Avicii’s father once said, "One day, you’ll leave this world behind, so live a life you will remember." This sentiment resonates deeply with me.
