PAUL Carroll’s body is so ravaged by disease he won’t be able to say I love you to his wife this Valentine’s Day.
Sixty five-year-old Paul from Limerick was on the cusp of retirement when he received the devastating news he had Motor Neurone Disease.
One year after diagnosis, the disease has gradually robbed his ability to do the everyday things which most of us take for granted, like tell his wife of 38 years that he loves her.
Paul said: “Having been a keen walker I now use a stroller to move around and a stair lift to get upstairs. I have some difficulty swallowing which limits my choice of foods. The most radical change for me however is a severe deterioration in my speech.”
This February Paul and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) are urging people to give up their voices to experience what life is like for those with MND.
There are currently over 370 people living with MND in Ireland. It is often referred to as the 1,000 day disease as most people die within 1,000 days of being diagnosed.
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive neurological condition that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord.
This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.
MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. However, not all symptoms necessarily happen to everyone and it is unlikely they will all develop at the same time, or in any specific order.
As part of the sponsored silence campaign #Voice4MND participants are asked to stay silent for a minimum of 30 minutes to experience what it would be like to lose your voice.
Paul said: “MND has opened my eyes to the generosity of spirit of the many good people who have helped me along the way.
“I would firstly pay tribute to my wife Lilian who has been unwavering in her support and understanding. I know my illness has placed a heavy burden on her but she accepts me as I am.”
Email fundraising@imnda.ie to get your silence sponsor pack or simply text MND to 50300 to donate €2. Spread awareness by sharing your sponsored silence on social media by using #Voice4MND.