Daughter of ex-athlete with MND hosts fundraiser

The daughter of a former athlete living with motor neurone disease (MND) has organised a festival to raise money and awareness of the condition.

Patrick Davitt, from West Hunsbury, Northamptonshire, had led an active life including running marathons, performing martial arts and playing national league volleyball in his youth, before he was diagnosed with MND in December 2024.

Davitt said he now finds everyday tasks challenging as his condition develops, adding: "I've worked all my life, done sport all my life... I find it hard."

His daughter, Kerry Ferrier, said: "When [the doctors] told me [the diagnosis], I broke down straight away, it's like I just knew what he was going to face."

MND causes muscle weakness that worsens over time. The condition is usually life-shortening and there is currently no cure, but treatment can manage the symptoms, according to the NHS.

About 2,200 people die from MND in the UK each year.

Ferrier said MND Party in the Park will take place in Brixworth, Northamptonshire, on 20 June, the weekend of National MND Day.

When speaking to Annabel Amos on BBC Radio Northampton, Ferrier explained how she tries to plan family outings that were local and can adapt to her father's needs.

She said: "You have to plan things, you can't be spontaneous."

According to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, six people per day in the UK are diagnosed with the condition.

Davitt said he initially noticed something was wrong when he was unable to hold a pen and began to lose strength in his arms.

"I thought I must've hurt my hand at work," he said.

Ferrier thought it was arthritis at first and questioned whether it was a response to his change in medication.

Davitt's wife Karen retired from her job after he was diagnosed to take care of him, which was three months after his own retirement.

The pair attend support groups at the MND Northampton branch, which Karen said has helped her as she has become his full-time carer.

Since organising the festival, Ferrier said she has been "overwhelmed" by the response from the community.

"I want to raise funds, raise awareness because people don't know what the money goes towards.

"Things like equipment to help dad navigate life as easily as possible for just the basic things like eating at a table, getting out of bed and using your arms," she added.

The festival will consist of live music, food stalls and family friendly entertainment, she added.

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