A pastor from Portsoy in Aberdeenshire who has motor neurone disease (MND) is raising funds for the MND Scotland charity.
59-year-old Colin Murray, who married his wife Bridget earlier this year, received an MND diagnosis in March 2022.
MND is a rapidly progressing terminal illness which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles.
It can cause someone to lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink, or breathe unaided, with the average life expectancy being just 18 months from diagnosis.
Prior to getting his diagnosis, Mr Murray was the owner of a painting and decorating business for more than 35 years.
Due to his wellbeing, he had to give up work shortly after the condition was confirmed.
‘My family and friends could not have been more supportive’
He said: “After the initial shock, my family and friends could not have been more supportive.
“I don’t underestimate the impact MND can have on my wife, friends and family members. My walking is now restricted and I walk with the aid of a staff.
“I am limited with the use of my hands and have recently been forced to stop driving. MND is unremitting and exhausting due to the progressive nature of the disease and the chronic lack of treatment or cure so far.”
Mr Murray is still able to serve as a pastor at Portsoy Church, something which he has been able to continue to do thanks to the help and support of the kirk’s community.
‘I am not angry or bitter’
Mr Murray said: “Being forced to retire from my decorating business has left me sad in some respects, even a bit frustrated but I am not angry or bitter, I have enjoyed good health until fairly recently and I thank God for that.
“I am not kidding myself that this won’t be anything but a tough and at times harrowing journey ahead, but l will do everything l possibly can to ensure that l live my life to the max despite the grim medical prognosis for MND.”
He has been supported by MND Scotland, who have helped him with finances, while he also attends a weekly Zoom meeting involving other people with the condition.
Following the support he has received from the charity, he has arranged a coffee morning to raise funds in Portsoy Church Centre, which will take place at 10am on July 30.
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