Ken's journey with MND 

“Once I had my power chair and vehicle, things started to change. I started looking to the future, making plans for outings, and my mental health became much better.”

"Accomplished landscape photographer Ken, lives in York with his wife Kay, who ran the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in 2023 for the MND Association.

"After being diagnosed with MND in 2020, Ken thought his retirement plans of focusing on landscape photography were over. But thanks to a grant from the MND Association, Ken can get out and about after receiving funds towards his wheelchair-adapted vehicle, giving him independence and the ability to continue his passion for photography.

"Last year, the MND Association awarded more than £2 million in support grants to people living with and affected by MND. These grants have been used in a variety of ways – to fund essential equipment, much-needed family holidays and to help our community to continue enjoying hobbies and interests.

"Ken received a grant from the Association in 2022 towards his wheelchair-adapted vehicle. As well as allowing Ken to get out and about independently, he is now able to continue his much-loved passion for landscape photography and regularly shares his travels on his vlog, Life After Wheels.

“My wife Kay and I enjoyed walking and being active together before my diagnosis. I couldn't understand why at first, but I noticed my legs were tiring more quickly than usual and I started to have falls in and around the house. Eventually, I was diagnosed with PLS, a rare form of MND, in 2020.

“My pre-MND plans to do landscape photography in retirement had been shattered. The thought of being in a wheelchair after leading such an active life was equally depressing. After my diagnosis, although I didn't admit it at the time, my mental health suffered. I often woke up in the middle of the night in a state of panic.

“Eventually, I started looking at options and found there was a confusing array of wheelchairs. I discovered the all-terrain models and was amazed at where they could take me, which made me feel that maybe I could still enjoy an outdoor life. After a lot of soul searching with the support of my wife, we decided I should get one. They are very expensive, and in addition to that, we also needed to get a new vehicle to transport it. Luckily I can still drive, but that meant we needed an internal transfer vehicle so that I could go out independently as my wife still works full-time.

“I was so grateful to the MND Association for giving me a support grant, which I used to help fund the advance lease payment for my wheelchair-accessible vehicle. I will always be truly grateful to them.

“Once I had my power chair and vehicle, things started to change. I started looking to the future, making plans for outings, and my mental health became much better. With the right equipment, I've found a renewed zest for life.”

The money raised by people joining #TeamMND for the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2024 will help us support more people like Ken.