A day at RHS Wisley

I'm not a gardener - Ruth will tell you that. But I did enjoy the visit to Wisley on Saturday. The plants were very nice of course and the pictures show that. If I hadn't forgotten that I had the camera with me, there would probably have been far more to choose from. But what made it special was meeting some of the people that I have been in touch with since starting to raise funds for MNDA. Four with MND were there together with carers and friends. And what struck me was that despite their difficulties, they spent most of the time laughing. Of course, there are times of frustration as abilities slowly deteriorate, but they are examples to those of us who complain at far lesser problems.

So who was there? First, there was Maria meeting her friend Jackie for the first time. Together they run the facbook page Motor Neurone Together We Stand. Maria has been diagnosed with MND for about a year. It is usual to talk in terms of diagnosed time rather then when the disease started becuase diagnosis takes so long. And very often, when the diagnosis comes through, the GP has not met MND before and doesn't know what to advise. This is why MNDA and the local branches are so important. They can give information and advice about what to expect, how to cope and where to find help. Maria was in her wheelchair. She and Terry are getting married in six weeks time.

Then there were Tina and Liam, both a bit younger than us and both at a stage where speaking is difficult although use of hands and arms is good. Liam runs a web site that is aimed at givng advice and help to other disabled people. Pauline was also there. She has a blog. With her, although speech is good, she is now unable to write very much.

MND affects different people in different ways and therefore presents different problems and challenges.

It is for people like this and those that care for them that I am aiming to raise as much as possible. There is more equipment available these days to help with the quality of life that they experience, but these devices can be expensive. Pauline is trying a new App that will open the front door and control the TV. It is difficult to imagine life without just being able walk to the frnt door and open it. A few months ago, I went to see Mike at the top of our road. It took him about 5 minutes to do just that.

I meant to take a photo of all four together - but forgot until it was too late. So I hope Maria/Jackie won't mind my using their picture ... If you haven't made a donation yet, please do. When you meet the people with MND, you will see why it is needed.

So no cycling yesterday, But a worthwhile day - plenty of hills next week planned in the Sheffield area.