Aoife Brennan, Mary from Lucky Horseshoe, Andrew Brennan, his wife Yvonne and their youngest daughter, Sophie. Daughter Aoife is 10 years old now but was not even two years when her dad Andrew was first diagnosed with MND. Her little sister Sophie was only five months old.

Andrew thanks IMNDA for support

A Motor Neurone Disease (MND) sufferer has thanked the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) for the support shown to both him and his family throughout his journey.

Andrew Brennan, his wife Yvonne and their two young daughters recently attended a fundraising coffee morning at Cavan Town's Con Smith Park hosted by Mary and Rose from Lucky Horseshoe.

Currently there are over 400 people in Ireland living with MND, which is known as 1000 day disease because 95% of sufferers die within this time.

“I am lucky to have survived living with motor neurone disease over 3000 days. During this time I have gone from being fully independent to having to rely on full time care,” explains Andrew.

“I would like to thank Mary and Rose for hosting this event and encourage others to do similar if they wish as the IMNDA have been hugely supportive to our family throughout my journey with the disease with vital equipment. Recently I have lost my voice, my wife understands me but not many others, which can be frustrating but the team at the IMNDA stepped in immediately to provide a computer that allows me to communicate with my family,” he further revealed of his condition.

Andrew explains that he uses a wheelchair to help him get around, and also ventilating machine to assist with breathing on occasion - all of which have been provided with support from the IMNDA.

“I use a wheelchair permanently now since losing the ability to walk and also a ventilating machine to assist me with my breathing when I need it. None of this would be possible without the support received by the MND Association from fundraisers like this. With great care from my wife, a warm comfortable home now suitable for my needs and the support from the MND Association, I look forward to many more enjoyable days with my family,” concludes Andrew.