Aberdeen dad opens up on being 'robbed of everything' after devastating MND diagnosis
An Aberdeen dad has opened up on the heartbreaking reality of being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, saying the illness has 'robbed him of everything.'
Mark Ferguson first sought medical attention in September 2022 after he began suffering from a persistent arm spasm for over two months.
The condition was initially attributed to tiredness, unfitness, or age - however the 45-year-old started to experience a sudden limp one night while out with friends.
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He was later diagnosed with MND, and is now unable to move, speak, eat or breathe without the aid of machines.
Speaking from his hospital bed, the dad-of-four revealed the toll the illness is having on him as he comes to terms with the reality of dying from the disease.
Mark told the Daily Record: "This is MND - two years ago I was diagnosed with motor neuron disease and since then mine and my families lives have been left shattered.
"I've spent most of the time getting my head round living with MND but lately I've been thinking about dying with MND.
"Whilst trying to remain positive it chips away at you till you cant ignore it, although all suffering from this cruel disease may disagree, I believe it’s important to face.
"MND has robbed me of everything, I can't move, speak, eat or breathe without machines. I am currently on day 14 of my latest stay in hospital with at least another week to go.
"I often think to myself what have I done to deserve this? The truth is I'll never find out in my lifetime. As heartbroken, angry and scared that I am I wake every day happy as I’m still participating in life.
"I have four amazing, beautiful children and I have my wife Lucy who will never know my gratitude."
According to MND Scotland, in the UK, there is a one in 300 lifetime risk of getting MND and there is currently no cure or effective disease modifying treatment available.
On January 5, 2023, Mark was officially diagnosed and since then his mobility has slowly worsened, as he first began relying on walking stick before experiencing a significant loss of power and dexterity in his hands.
He has experienced muscle weakness, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing.
In what will be his final post about the disease on his Instagram page, Mark posted a picture of his frail body alongside a series of images of him with family and friends before the devastating diagnosis.
He said: "MND has also shown me how fortunate I am to have some of the best friends anyone could have. I've also made friends and lost friends. Unfortunately these things happen irrespective of illness, life goes on.
"The point I’m ultimately trying to make is I don't want to be remembered as 'that MND guy' so I've added some pictures to help you remember me as a dad, a husband, a friend, a good guy and an arsehole.
"In the spirit of positivity this will be my last post on MND as I've given it too much and I'm tired."
Following his diagnosis, Mark launched his own clothing brand 'NVRMND' in a bid to raise money for MND families through his "love of fashion".
As he concluded his final post, he added: "I'll continue to help others suffering via nvrmnd.XIX but it can f*** right off. Please keep wearing the good aftershave and looking out for one another. See you down the road, love Fergie."