A dedicated father-of-three from Suffolk has bravely disclosed the initial warning sign that led to his diagnosis of motor neurone disease at the remarkably young age of 39. Ryan Horsfall, who works as a plumber, first noticed something was amiss when he lost the ability to grip with his left hand on October 30.
Initial Symptoms and Medical Journey
Ryan recalled, 'About eight months ago, I was in the gym and struggling to push anything on my left-hand side. I never thought anything was wrong. I had a stiff neck at the time, so I thought maybe I'd picked up an injury or had a trapped nerve.' Concerned by this persistent issue, he contacted his wife, Kimi, who strongly urged him to seek medical advice.
He added, 'I had some twitching in my bicep and when I saw the doctor, he did lots of tests and noticed the twitches were also in my leg. He asked for a senior doctor and he said to me: "Have you got any idea why you're here?" I said I thought I had an injury or trapped nerve and he said "We think you might have motor neurone disease".' Ryan admitted that the news didn't fully sink in until he left the hospital and phoned his wife, leading to a heartbreaking realisation for the couple.
Understanding Motor Neurone Disease
Motor neurone disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, resulting in muscle weakness, wasting, and eventual paralysis. Typically, diagnosis occurs around the age of 67, with most cases found in individuals aged between 50 and 70. Given Ryan's age of 39 at diagnosis, which came just two weeks before Christmas, he is classified as having the early-onset form of the disease.
Ryan shared his emotional response, stating, 'The diagnosis nearly crushed me. It has been incredibly hard. Acceptance is the biggest thing to come to terms with. Initially, you're in a bit of denial, wanting to get another test or a second opinion. At the moment, I'm okay. But I won't let it define me.' He described the process as a waiting game, noting that he exhibited all the classic symptoms, yet his youth initially led doctors to consider other possibilities.
Further Tests and Family Impact
After initial consultations, Ryan underwent further tests with a neurologist, including an MRI and nerve ending tests, which revealed denervation in all four of his limbs. His wife, Kimi, a hairdresser and mother to their three children—Lois, eight, Jude, six, and Sydney, three—expressed her devastation upon learning the news.
Kimi said, 'I burst into tears when I found out. Every worry under the sun came flooding in—the kids, work, the future. He is the man of the house. I try hard to go upstairs and cry, but sometimes you are just sitting there, and the kids will say "I love you", and you can't help it.' She praised their children's resilience, adding, 'Children are so resilient, and they can take more than we give them credit for. They've been incredible.'
Focus on Quality of Life and Awareness
Ryan is considering opting into a life-prolonging drug but emphasises that creating lasting memories with his family while maintaining a good quality of life is his top priority. The couple is determined to raise awareness about motor neurone disease, hoping to make as much noise as possible to support others facing similar challenges.
To aid their journey, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover Ryan's loss of earnings, adapt their home to his needs, and fund memory-making experiences. So far, it has raised over £62,000. Kimi added, 'We're incredibly grateful and we're all immensely proud of Ryan. You never understand how it feels until you're in a situation like this.'
Statistics and Symptoms of MND
Around 5,000 adults in the UK are currently living with motor neurone disease, with ALS being the most common form. The condition affects the nerves controlling movement, leading to progressive muscle weakness, loss of speech, and difficulty breathing. For most patients, life expectancy ranges from two to five years from symptom onset, though progression speeds vary widely.
Motor neurone disease is typically diagnosed between ages 55 and 75, with symptoms worsening over time. Early signs can include:
- Muscle twitches
- A weak grip
- Weakness in the leg or ankle
- Slurred speech
- Unexplained weight loss
Currently, there is no cure for MND, and it progressively impairs patients' abilities to walk, speak, and eventually breathe. The NHS notes that it's a rare condition mainly affecting people in their 60s and 70s, but it can occur in adults of all ages. If symptoms arise, consulting a GP is crucial for referral to a specialist neurologist if necessary.
