West Sussex South
Branch

Mel Fisher’s son-in-law Jason is running in the Great South Run for the third time on October 24th. Please support him via JUSTGIVING by clicking on the following internet address

www.justgiving.com/jason-kates1

Mel Wrote ......

I am Melvyn Fisher of Lancing requesting donations please via JUSTGIVING just click on the website above and below where my son-in-law JASON KATES is running at the above location on my behalf.

In case you do not know me and how I knew I had  MND I was first diagnosed in 1996 by my physio in Surrey when I had a problem with my knee. After many visits with the Physio she noticed my right foot dragging slightly. She referred me to my GP who in turn sent me to Kings London where Prof Chris Shaw diagnosed me with MND (PLS).It took so many months before my GP advised me. I went straight round the library and looked in the reference book. I immediately thought I would die within the year. I cancelled my holiday to America. But I am still here about 14 years later. It’s my independence that helps me fight on as everything I do is a challenge.

I moved from Surrey to Lancing in May1999 living on my own with carer assistance.
I shall always remember Kitty from the local MNDA visited me a few days after I moved in. I do not remember what the health problem was but Kitty was on the phone to my GP and he came straight round by house.

I was introduced to Eric by the local MND Association as my volunteer visitor and he was most helpful to me with providing all sorts of equipment. Eric used to lift on his own electric scooters and transport recliner chairs in the back of his car. An incredible man. I now have Angela as a visitor who helps me a lot with food goodies. If I have a problem I can always email her or phone her to assist me. My son has arranged my emailing/internet via a remote keyboard sitting in my recliner chair to my television which is very useful.

In 1999 I met the Neuro consultant Dr Clifford-Jones who guided me through many years of any problems I needed resolving. One was via the Primary Care Trust for an electric bed. He managed to apply and get approval which now helps me get in and out of bed. As Robert is the president of our local MND Association branch I used to go to most monthly meetings for years driving my hand controlled car where Robert always found time to have a chat with me.

I now have regular carers. I can manage to drag my feet with the aid of a trolley which enables me to get to the kitchen door and get on my electric scooter. This allows me to do local shopping and to go to Brooklands Park, and Worthing/Goring along the seafront. I love fresh air and enjoy sitting on the pier reading my newspaper.
Social Services recently installed ceiling hoists for the lounge and bedroom (I am strapped up in a sling like a turkey hanging in the air) to help with getting to bed at night with the help of my carer.

This is the third year that my son-in-law Jason is running in the Great South Run for the MND Association. Please support him via JUSTGIVING by clicking on the following internet address

www.justgiving.com/jason-kates1