Jo Watts has raised over £10,000 for motor neurone disease charities following her father's diagnosis in June 2014. Most recently she took part in the Edinburgh marathon, her first fundraising event since her dad passed away earlier this year.
My dad was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in June 2014. Initially, I thought it was a muscular skeletal problem, but my sister is a neuro-physiotherapist – she had a strong suspicion that it was MND. She didn’t want to worry the rest of the family, so she kept her fears to herself. That must have been so hard for her.
It all started when he tried running to shut a gate at work one day, but couldn’t. That was the beginning of it all. For a semi-retired 67-year-old, dad was really fit. That’s the cruel thing about MND – it never takes the couch potatoes. It’s always those who are in their prime. I know he wasn’t ‘young’ per se, but I thought we had at least another 15 years of time together.
Dad deteriorated really quickly. Within six months of diagnosis, he was reliant on a wheelchair. A couple of months on, and he was permanently wheelchair-bound, was having real difficulty eating and was losing the use of his arms. I can’t explain to you how terrible it was to see the fear in my dad’s eyes, and to know that there was nothing I could do to help him. MND is like a whirlwind; it’s constantly evolving. Every time you think you’ve come to terms with it, the goalposts change.
In 2015, I took up a fundraising challenge every month. It was a way to feel less helpless
Jo Watts
That’s why, in 2015, I took up a fundraising challenge every month. It was a way to feel less helpless; to create something positive out of a really bleak situation. It helped me to cope with what was happening. In total, I raised well over £10,000 for MND Association, which I’m extremely proud of.
This January, 19 months after being diagnosed, my dad sadly passed away. He was 69-years-old. Even though MND is terminal, it was still a huge shock for all of the family. I was completely devastated – I still am. I don’t know if I’ll ever fully come to terms with it.
I'm delighted to also support the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research. We need a cure; we need hope. MND is an evil disease that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy – I don’t want other families to suffer like we have.
In May I took part in the Edinburgh Marathon Relay. The atmosphere on race day was fantastic and we had a real team spirit among the Euan MacDonald Centre runners. Everyone was united for the same vital cause and I am proud of, and grateful for, every single runner.
Personally, the day was a mix of emotions. It was great to get back running for MND, but it was the first race without my biggest supporter. My dad taught me about love, strength and determination, and I hope I will continue to make him proud.
The need to fundraise and raise awareness of this horrible disease will always be with me. It is so important to keep going; to do all we can to help. To borrow a quote from the brilliant Run MND Group, “until there is a cure, there will be no finish line".
The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research conducts vital research into MND, uniting over 100 scientists and doctors at five Scottish Universities. To find out more visit euanmacdonaldcentre.com.
