'Sun still shines' after MND diagnosis - patient

Alex Duncan, 50, is sharing his story as part of Global MND Awareness Day

A man who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) is hoping to raise awareness in Guernsey about the condition.

Alex Duncan, 50, is sharing his story as part of Global MND Awareness Day, after his diagnosis in 2023.

MND affects nerves found in the brain and spinal cord, which tell muscles what to do.

This leads them to weaken and stiffen over time and usually affects how people walk, talk, eat and breathe.

Alex Duncan pictured with his family pre diagnosis

But Mr Duncan said: "Life carries on. There are a lot of changes but some of them are good and the sun still shines."

The first sign for Mr Duncan was weakness in his right hand. He dropped a cup of coffee for no reason.

A few weeks later he noticed his right arm was twitching and his grip strength was weakening.

After a series of tests in London, he said his diagnosis came as a big shock to his family.

He said: "I immediately thought about the end, Abbie [his wife] and I were both in tears thinking the worst.

"Now we understand that the diagnosis of any progressive illness means adapting and living well."

'Hard to accept'

Mr Duncan has lost the ability to use his arms and legs and uses a wheelchair which he controls with head movements.

He is no longer able to speak, but with eye and mouth movements can control a computer which is his voice.

"It is incredibly hard to accept the changes forced on to my family and loved ones.

"No matter how much support I get, not being the husband that cooks, the dad that plays and fixes, the son that lifts and carries, is something I may never fully come to terms with."

The Duncan family receive support from a variety of teams within Guernsey's Health and Social Care Department

According to Debbie Robilliard, a clinical nurse specialist on the island, there are currently 13 people in the Bailiwick of Guernsey with MND or waiting confirmation of a diagnosis, which is higher than the UK national average.

The Duncan family receive support from a variety of teams within Guernsey's Health and Social Care Department and the charity Guernsey Motor Neurone LBG helps fund some private care.

Abbie Duncan said: "It felt alien to have carers in our home at first. But, it changed our lives having them in our home and helping us and they give us more time as a family."

The couple have two sons

Mrs Duncan said her sons had "been fantastic".

"They probably do more than most kids their age, helping around the house, care in general.

"But obviously as their mother I want to protect them and it's really difficult.

"The thing with Alex is his voice and his heart and his positivity is going to be a driving force for those boys. The unconditional love will just drive them.

"Alex has been amazing through all this... he's patient and he's loving."