THE first inkling Julie Teasdale had that something might have been wrong with her son Brenton was when he began to walk strangely.
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“It was midway through last year and I kept asking him what was wrong, that he was walking funny,” Julie said.
“He told me that was just the way he walked, but I knew something wasn’t right. He had to hold on to things and when he didn’t, he lost his balance.”
A fall prompted Brenton to visit his doctor where he received the shocking diagnosis that he had motor neurone disease.
Motor neuron disease (MND) is a neurological disorder that affects the cells that control voluntary muscle activity including speaking, walking, swallowing and general movement of the body.
It is neurodegenerative in nature and causes increasing disability and, eventually, death.
Understandably Brenton, just 30 years of age and the father of three young children, was devastated.
“Brenton was only given his diagnosis five months ago and we were told by the doctors that he might only have 12 months, the disease is progressing fast,” Julie said.
Since his diagnosis, Brenton has been confined to a wheelchair.
He cannot shower himself, needs help when eating and is gradually losing the ability to speak.
Brenton is Stroud-based Julie’s youngest child and, with the assistance of the Stroud Lions Club, she has organised a fundraiser to help support her son and his family.
“Brenton moved to Stroud when he was four. He lives in Medowie now, but this is still very much his home,” Julie said.
The fundraiser will be held from 9am to 2pm at the Stroud Showground this Saturday, January 17.
It will include a car, bike and 4WD show with presentation.
There will be various stalls selling all sorts of merchandise while Stroud Lions Club and Allworth Fishing Club will provide the catering.
A charity auction of donated items will take place from midday with the raffle to be drawn immediately after.
Stroud Lions Club has set up a bank account for Brenton and his family and donations will be gratefully accepted.
For further information on the fundraiser or to make a donation, contact Julie Teasdale on 0447 653 477.