Fundraiser launched for Dunleer man living with MND

Just 18 months after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Dunleer man John Torris has lost the use of both legs and is now confined to a wheelchair as the devastating illness continues to progress.

Now, his cousin, Aiden Torris, has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help John and his family meet the growing financial demands of living with the incurable disease.

John was diagnosed with MND 18 months ago and, in that short time, the illness has progressed rapidly. It has spread from his legs to his arms, leaving him needing assistance with many of the everyday tasks most people take for granted.

Despite the challenges he faces, Aiden said his cousin's determination and outlook on life have never wavered.

"John is the strongest person I know," he said.

"From day one, he accepted his fate and faced it head on. He has never lost his sense of humour and is the best company to be in.

"He has a gift for making people laugh with his quick wit and storytelling."

John has been married to his wife, Margaret, for 30 years and together they have a son, James, who is in his 20s.

Having spent much of his working life as a self-employed roofer, John later changed careers and worked as a lorry driver with Wogan Build Centre in Drogheda. However, his illness has forced him to stop working, while Margaret now cares for him full-time.

Money raised through the GoFundMe campaign will go directly towards helping the family make essential adaptations to their home, purchase medical equipment as John's condition progresses and meet the day-to-day costs associated with his care.

Aiden said the funds will also be used to buy "anything and everything" needed to ensure John is as comfortable as possible throughout his journey.

The appeal comes after an especially difficult few years for John and his family. Three-and-a-half years ago he lost his brother, Joe Torris, in a tragic accident. Two years later, his brother Shay also passed away. Both men were aged 57.

John himself celebrated his 57th birthday on 22 June, an age which Aiden said carries many difficult memories and emotions following the loss of his two brothers.

Launching the fundraiser, Aiden said he hopes people will rally behind the appeal.

"This is a good thing I'm trying to do here and if everyone gets behind it, it will be a success," he said.

Anyone wishing to support the fundraiser can do so through the GoFundMe page here