An Angus man whose wife recently highlighted his care crisis struggle with motor neurone disease (MND) has lost his brave battle against the illness.
Former marathon runner Andy Lennon passed away at his Forfar home, little over three years since the 61-year-old was diagnosed with the debilitating condition and having taken the decision with his wife, Linda, to remain at home in the final stages of his life.
Linda has paid tribute to the many people who had helped the popular electrician through his struggle and said she hoped Andy’s legacy might be a fresh focus on the challenges families face in caring for those affected by illnesses such as MND.
Andy spent almost 40 years working with Forfar textile firm Don & Low, latterly as the plant engineer at the company’s non-wovens factory, and Linda praised the firm for their care and concern throughout his illness.
A well-known figure in the town, he was a ‘hippie’ in his younger day and a love of rock music endured until the very last moments of his life. Andy was also a Scout leader in Forfar, a cyclist and marathon runner, as well as a keen member of Kirriemuir Golf Club.
He and Linda married in 2001 and Linda said: “We loved travelling, that was really one of his passions, experiencing different cultures.”
“Since his diagnosis it has been very difficult, but so many people have been absolutely amazing,“ she added, highlighting the “exceptional” level of care provided by Dr Kay McCallum and her colleagues at Academy Medical Centre in Forfar.
“We would also give our thanks to his current and previous carers and the Macmillan nurses at Whitehills in Forfar,” she said.
She revealed that Andy’s brother Stewart and his partner Lynn had been a great support, as well as close friend Neil Scott, a keen cyclist who has done a couple of MND fundraisers.
Linda said the Whitehills staff who assisted with Andy’s needs including wheelchair and IT provision had made an immeasurable addition to his quality of life, allowing him to still get out and about and keep in touch with family and friends across the globe.
“They gave Andy access to the internet and he was able to communicate with my two boys who live and work in Asia,” she said.
“Andy went downhill very quickly, but he was a very determined person and chose life above everything.
“He found pleasure in the little things after he was diagnosed, loved going on to the likes of Facebook and seeing what the boys were up to and it was a lifeline to him really.
“He loved seeing people and was still able to have a joke with them and know what was going on.”
Earlier this month Linda highlighted the problems families face in getting appropriate respite care for people affected by conditions such as MND, especially the under-65s, where facilities exist but are not easily accessible.
“There are increasing numbers for whom there is no provision and if Andy could leave a legacy then hopefully it could be for that situation to be sorted out,” said Linda.
Andy is survived by Linda, son Ross and stepsons Paul and Matthew. His funeral will take place at Parkgrove crematorium, near Friockheim, on Friday, at 1.30pm, with mourners’ donations going to MND Scotland.