On August 27, 2012, Paul Loughrey’s life changed forever.
Paul, 50, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, a progressive disease 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.
It affects how sufferers walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe.
There is no cure.
Paul was working as a self employed painter and decorator at the time of his diagnosis and he said it came as a ‘major shock’ to him, his wife Mary and three children.
“I had to give up work up straight away following my diagnosis, they are coping ok but it has been very challenging for my wife and family.”
Shortly after being diagnosed, Paul was told that the Foyle Hospice may be able to offer him some help.
“The Hospice was first mentioned to me by MND nurse and my reaction was ‘I’m not that bad am I?’ but I didn’t realise the facilities that the hospice have to offer.
“I first attended the Hospice for day care in January 2014 and was very surprised. I attend twice a week on a Tuesday and a Thursday and we do a range of activities including wheelchair yoga and quizzes and relaxation sessions.
“A lady called Catherine helps me with my joint movements and that gives me great relief. The craic is always good.”
Paul talked about the impact the hospice has had on his life.
“The hospice has been a great source of help to me and I’ve met some very nice people through it, staff, doctors, nurses and patients.
“People don’t realize the facilities that are here. The commitment the staff give to patients is overwhelming at times and volunteers give up their free time to help patients.
“I was asked recently to describe the hospice in one word and said I would find it very hard to use just one word, but the word I came up with was ‘amazing.’”
“I’ve been an in patient at the hospice for respite for both myself and my family and we have benefitted from it. The staff know when respite is needed for both myself and my wife.”
The hospice has given Paul great comfort since his diagnosis.
“I hate this sickness, this disease, it has taken my identity and my dignity and it has changed my family and home and the only shining light from it was being introduced to the Foyle Hospice from which I have benefitted enormously.”
Since getting involved with the Hospice Paul has regularly taken part in the Foyle Hospice Male Walk/Run. He is calling on other people to come out and support the event.
“I would encourage people to just come out and support the Male Walk/Run on September 25. It’s for a great cause. The hospice is like a big wheel, it takes people to turn the wheel and unfortunately it takes lots and lots of money to keep it moving.”
Paul is willing to do the unthinkable to help boost sign ups.
“Hospice head fundraiser Noel McMonagle is a big Liverpool fan and I support Manchester United. Noel said he would wear a United top during the race if we get over a 1000 signups. Liverpool fans have no backbone, it’ll take more than 1000 to get me into a Liverpool top but I will do it if we can get 1500.”
“I just think it’s for a wonderful cause, we need to get the men out. The woman’s fundraising events are always well supported and we can’t let them beat us!”
“All the people of this city should be very proud of the hospice, it was their charity that built it and hopefully it will still be here to help people when I’m long gone.
Paul talked about what compelled him to start doing the race.
“This is my third year taking part in the race, I’ve been doing it since I first got involved with the hospice. Before I took sick I was always on my feet and I have regret that I never did the race before my illness. Now I have to do it in a chair, but I do it to give back to the hospice for all the help they have given me and my family.
“I have done the race with my son and brother in previous years and hopefully they’ll be able to join me again. Last year I even managed to convince one of my carers to take part. You can run it, walk it or be pushed like me and I would ask people to sign up even if they won’t be able to take part on the day.”
To sign up for the Foyle Hospice Male Walk/Run visit www.foylehospice.com or call into their fundraising store at 17 Waterloo Place.
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