A Kenilworth family is asking for your help to raise funds for a father suffering with Motor Neurone Disease.

In July 2019 Rick Gerard felt as if he had pulled a muscle in his left calf, the pain continued and developed into what he described as "his left leg trying to trip his right leg over!"

Rick had an MRI, and was then referred to a neurologist. Over the next few months he endured a plethora of blood tests, more MRI scans, CT scans, PET scans, brain scans, biopsies, and electromyography, as doctors still tried to find out what was wrong with him.

In March of this year he was eventually diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, for which there is currently no cure, nor effective treatment.

MND sufferers gradually lose control of their muscles, as their nervous system becomes progressively damaged. As in Rick's case, the symptoms began in one part of the body and then spread throughout.

The cause is currently unknown.

The average life expectancy of MND sufferers is two to five years, with a third of those diagnosed dying within a year and a half.

Despite the obvious challenges that he now faces, eighteen-year-old daughter Amber says "Dad remains his positive and upbeat self."

Before the onset of the disease Rick "was the most independent and active person I knew. He would always be outside doing something."

A passionate motorcyclist, Rick had driven to Switzerland, and France, and visited "his spiritual home" Glen Nevis before he went into hospital in March.

Rick had been a dog trainer, and falconer for 30 years – a vocation he had discovered as a teenager.

"His work on developing techniques for the artificial propagation of birds of prey has helped to save species from extinction, he has always spoken strongly about 'giving back' where one can."

The debilitating nature of the disease has already kept Rick from his work, and many of his hobbies.

As his condition has deteriorated he has had to sell his motorbike, and has swapped it instead for an off-road mobility scooter, which has allowed him to keep some of his independence.

However, he will need regular care, and specially adapted equipment if he is to live anywhere near how he did before.

Care is available from the NHS. Amber has praised their work greatly saying "the physical and psychological support my dad gets from the NHS and MND Association is first class."

Unfortunately, the equipment required by Rick is not available, "this has led me to try and do what I can to help raise our target."

Having returned home at the end of March, Rick's condition has continued to worsen.

"He can now barely get from counter to counter and most days will have to use his electric wheelchair. He tries his best to walk, but his ankles swell from trying to hold his weight. He is six foot four, so he isn't the smallest," says Amber.

Rick will need his home to become fully wheelchair accessible, he will need a wet room, as well as a modified vehicle if he is to enjoy any sort of quality of life at home.

Unfortunately, due to the lockdown, the fundraising planned by Rick's family had to be put on hold.

They do however have a Just Giving page set up, which at the time of writing has already received over £1,500 of the £25,000 goal.

The link to the page is here.

Amber and her family are not stopping here however. "I'm setting up raffles, selling things and doing everything I can to help him!"

With his condition gradually worsening, and with lockdown measures still in place, the family is eager that he should still be able to live in comfort for the time that he has left. "Although time is precious, it is also our worst enemy."

Wife Steph has said "Rick has always been the first to jump in and help others whenever he could, we kindly ask you give whatever you can afford, however little, share this page and participate where possible to help reach our goal together."

Now is the perfect time to make a real difference to the life of Rick, and his family.