Mark’s story
In July 2022, Mark’s diagnosis was confirmed. MND is a cruel disease that robs you of your strength, making you a prisoner in your own body. There are 5000 people living with MND in the UK right now and at the moment there is no cure or hope of recovery.
Mark’s symptoms started in 2021 with a weakening in his hands. As it became trickier to lift his Grandson Archie and to use a corkscrew we knew something was wrong. After months of tests, waiting, and a process of elimination, we received the devastating news. Throughout Mark’s illness he didn’t once complain, get angry or tell the world to bugger off (probably something we can’t say ourselves). He took it in his stride with such inspiring dignity, acceptance and calmness. So typical of this lovely person.
He was cared for by the outstanding MND team at the John Radcliffe, Oxford, a team to whom we will be forever grateful. In the months following his diagnosis we hoped that Mark would be able to join a trial or research study, but sadly this wasn’t an option for him. Our biggest hope now is that one day a cure is found so that others won’t suffer from this horrible disease. This is why we’re taking on ‘Miles for Mark Smith’; to raise vital funds to support research into finding a cure and to put a stop to this devastating illness once and for all.