Some of you will be aware that a very special person in our life has recently been diagnosed with MND.
It was early March 2021 when our dear friend and friend of many, Peter Thomson, fondly known as Thommo, began experiencing some unusual symptoms. His speech had begun to slur and swallowing was starting to become more challenging. Over the next few months, the symptoms progressively worsened and in July 2021, after countless doctor & specialist visits & many tests and scans, Thommo received the life-shattering news that he had MND.
Not knowing a great deal about MND, Thommo's family and friends began the painful education process to understand more about MND and what they were facing. The reality is that people diagnosed with MND have an average life expectancy of 27 months. There is no cure.
Since diagnosis, Thommo has continued to deteriorate, he can no longer talk, is fed through a tube and has minimal use of his arms & legs. Despite the fact that his body is failing him, Thommo's brain, hearing and intellect remain intact, some of the cruellest features of MND.
Anyone who knows Thommo knows that he's as stubborn as a mule & despite the inevitability of his fate, he continues to fight this disease so he can spend as much time as he can with his family & friends, especially his young grandkids.
Inspired by Thommo's words, 'I wouldn't wish this upon anybody', we (Sam, Matthew, Adrian, Tim, Alex & Mattie) have decided to take the plunge and attempt the Noosa Marathon 42km in May.
We have teamed up with MND and Me to raise as much money as possible to fund key research projects, care programs & raise critical awareness. In due course, we will introduce all of our runners individually, & share more about Thommo's journey, but in the meantime, we would be so grateful for any support & donations – which will go directly to the MND and Me Foundation.
Thank you in advance for your contribution, it means so much to us, Thommo & his family.