A Fifer is sharing his experience of Motor Neurone Disease to raise awareness of the condition and the help available.
Jim Brown ,73, a retired joiner and construction worker from Rosyth, was diagnosed seven years ago.
Although the average life expectancy from diagnosis is just 14 months, Jim’s progression with MND has been longer than most, with the first symptoms showing 10 years ago
Due to working in a physically demanding job, Jim, who is married to Liz, decided to retire at the age of 64 and lost contact with the majority of his workmates, until his daughter Lesley stepped in.
Following his diagnosis, Lesley took to social media to reconnect her dad with his old friends and help organise a reunion.
Now reliant on a wheelchair, the reunions have been a good way for Jim to get out of the house and socialise.
Jim said: “My job was very physical and I just couldn’t do it anymore.
“I first started noticing something was wrong about 10 years ago.
“I would fall for no reason and wouldn’t have any bounce in my step.
“It took the doctors three years to find out what was wrong with me.
They eliminated a brain tumour, trapped nerve and Parkinson’s, among other conditions before giving me a MND diagnosis.”
His symptoms have progressed and he now relies on his family to help him do most things.
But, he added: “I haven’t lost my sense of humour – or my cheek so my daughter tells me!
“I like to look on the positive and make sure I enjoy my days with my family.”
He said MND Scotland had been fantastic.
He uses its support group in Dunfermline and complementary therapy service, borrowed a bed from its equipment store and has been to its accessible holiday chalet in Oban.
“I really can’t thank them enough for their continued support.”
Thanking Jim for sharing his story, its chief executive Craig Stockton said: “MND Scotland supports people across Scotland who are affected by MND and funds research into a cure.”
To coincide with the 2017 MND awareness week, from June 19 to June 25, it is investing another £583,000 for four new research projects into finding a cure.
