Shinty player with MND fears for family's future
A former shinty captain says he is wracked with worries for his family's financial future after being diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
Dad-of-four Lachlan Campbell, of Spean Bridge in the Highlands, spent years building up his joinery business but has had to give up work due to the terminal neurological illness.
MND stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles and the 47-year-old was unable to cope with the physical demands of his job.
The disease has badly affected his speech, and Lachlan says he has struggled to be understood when seeking financial support.
Lachlan was diagnosed with MND three years ago.
"My voice totally went. I was dropping things and being clumsy - I thought I was losing my mind," he says, recalling the early warning signs he had the disease.
"When I was diagnosed it was the news I was dreading – for me it was the worst case scenario."
Nurse at MND lecture was unaware she had disease
Doddie Weir charity invests £500,000 in MND clinical trials
Lachlan is well known in shinty circles as a captain of Lochaber and for playing in the game's premier league.
He competed in various cup competitions, including the Camanachd Cup and appeared in two MacTavish Cup finals.
Lachlan later went on to coach Lochaber's junior sides and represented Scotland in games against Ireland.
He was also a keen golfer. Outside sport, he worked hard to build up his joinery business.
MND has left him unable to cope with the physical side of his work.
He says: "I fall quite regularly so it's a matter of time until I really hurt myself.
"I had to make a decision to do what's best for the family because if I injure myself the recovery will not be easy."
MND causes muscle weakness and wasting. It can rob someone of the ability to walk, talk, swallow and breathe.
Lachlan says his biggest fear is the financial impact on his family.
With his wife Leeann he has three daughters, Molly, 24, Regan, 23, Lacey, 18 and a son Max, 21. All but one of their children live at home.
There are grants available, but Lachlan says the funding is limited.
He says he has tried to apply for statutory benefits but has found the process a huge challenge - made even harder because he has difficulty talking.
"I had a real issue trying to apply for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) when I was first diagnosed and my mental state wasn't good, and then trying to have a long conversation with someone who couldn't understand what I was saying – I just gave up in the end," he says.
Lachlan believes he has lost two years' of financial support.
He says: "If you have a disease like this then PIP should be offered to you – you shouldn't have to claim it because it's not easy.
"Once you stop earning, all the bills are still there, even if you have an incurable disease, the bills keep coming."
The UK's Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) said it could not comment without certain personal information being provided.
Social Security Scotland, a Scottish government agency that helps to deliver social security payments, has been approached for comment.
Leeann works part-time as she balances caring for her husband.
She says: "Knowing that he's going to get worse is a horrible thought – it keeps me awake at night.
"It worries me how I'm even going to cope looking after him when he gets to a certain stage.
"Every day I think if he can get up and go out and do whatever he does then I can't just sit about and be sad and angry – I still have to keep going too."
Leeann is also daunted by their financial situation and worries about when she will have to give up work and care for Lachlan full-time.
She says: "Do you potentially have the threat of losing our home as well, on top of your husband not being well and there's nothing you can do about it?"
Lachlan has thrown himself into raising awareness about MND and fundraising. He has raised more than £10,000 so far for families affected by the disease.
More stories from the Highlands and Islands
News from the Highlands and Islands on BBC Sounds
The average life expectancy of someone with MND is just 18 months from diagnosis.
There is currently no cure or meaningful treatments.
Lachlan says although his diagnosis has robbed him of so much, including playing his beloved shinty, he is determined to remain positive and spend as much time with his family and secure their financial future.
He says: "Really the only thing that's important is to try and enjoy the life I've got left and make sure my family are enjoying it with me."
Leeann adds: "I thought we had a long time together where we would grow old together, see the kids have kids, get married - all that kind of stuff.
"But knowing that probably isn't going to happen, it makes you really appreciate the time you've got with each other."
Regan says her dad's attitude is inspirational.
She says: "We can't sit being all doom and gloom when he's the one that's actually unwell and he's the one being positive so we've just got to try and do that as well."
Her sister Molly adds: "It's such a horrible, horrible disease.
"You're literally just watching someone lose themselves right in front of your eyes and there's literally nothing you can do."
MND Scotland said the disease put huge strains on families.
The charity's Angela Harris said: "We are here to support people so they are not on their own with it at all.
"We would strongly advise anyone whose got a diagnosis or is affected in this way to come to MND Scotland and talk to the support team."
Dr Madina Kara, director of research at the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, said work was continuing to find a cure.
MND Scotland
My Name'5 Doddie Foundation
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
'Devastation' following death of David 'Syd' Lawrence
Friends and colleagues have spoken of their "devastation" following the death of former cricketer David "Syd" Lawrence MBE. Lawrence, the first British-born black cricketer to represent England, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2024. Advertisement Earlier this month, the 61-year-old, from Gloucester, said he was "incredibly proud" to be appointed an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours in recognition of his services to cricket. Mark Alleyne, head coach at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club (GCCC) said: "When you come to moments like this, as sad as it is, at least we know one thing that he lived a very full and colourful life." MND is a rare, degenerative condition that affects the brain and nerves. There is no cure. Peter Matthews is the chair of GCCC [BBC] Peter Matthews, chair of GCCC, said a minute's silence was held at the start of Sunday's home match against Derbyshire to commemorate the "desperately sad" passing of Lawrence. Advertisement "Because of the nature of [MND], you know it's going to happen at some stage, but it's still a shock," Mr Matthews said. He credited Lawrence's "wonderful legacy" both on and off the field. "He always gave everything. He was a brilliant cricketer. "He broke down barriers, he was so obviously himself, he exuded confidence, but obviously he was a really genuine man alongside that confidence. "He was a wonderful president. While of course his body was failing him, the tragedy in some respects of motor neurone disease is that the brain doesn't fail you, so he was always there to give ideas and provide insight to me as a relatively new chair," Mr Matthews added. Neil Priscott described Lawrence as an "icon" [BBC] Neil Priscott, chief executive officer of GCCC, described Lawrence's work with the club as "transformational". Advertisement "He brought in life, that energy and that infectious spirit. He brought that in his presidency in day one. "He wanted us to reach out to communities far and wide, push ourselves, do more, find the next generation of talent and that infectiousness sort of carried everyone with him. "Syd's been an icon for this club on the field and off it. "We absolutely want to continue that legacy and do that in his honour." David Graveney was Lawrence's first captain [BBC] David Graveney, vice chairman of GCCC, was Lawrence's first captain. At the start of Lawrence's career, Mr Graveney watched him develop from a county bowler to an international star. Advertisement "His legacy to the game is in many, many forms. "The fact he was the first English-born black person to play for England was a thing he was very proud of and he was the first black president of the cricket club - another thing he was really proud of. "He shows that actually it doesn't matter what your background is, if you apply yourself then the sky's the limit," Mr Graveney said. Andy Brassington first met Lawrence when he was 16 years old [BBC] Andy Brassington is a former cricketer and friend of Lawrence. He visited Lawrence on Saturday and was with him just an hour before he passed away. "It's been a terrible illness. He's taken it head on, like he does with everything Advertisement "To see him in the state he was in then, there was a lot of relief when they called me to say he'd passed on because it wasn't a good place to be for him. "He's probably in a better place now, that's for sure," Mr Brassington said. He added that the cricketing world will look after Lawrence's wife and son and will carry on his legacy. "He's been brave, he's a very proud man, his appearance is everything to him, yet he put himself in the shop window to show people how this disease can tear your body apart. "He's given hope to people. We all need heroes, we all need idols and Syd was there for so many people. Advertisement "I always say time is the greatest gift you can give anybody and Syd gave a lot of people a lot of time," said Mr Brassington. Lawrence was a former fast bowler for England and Gloucestershire [Getty Images] Lawrence established himself as a "club icon" throughout his 16-year career, becoming known for his "thunderous run-up, fearless fast bowling and ever-present energy", his family said in a statement. He played five Test Matches for England and took 625 wickets in 280 matches before his cricket career was cut short by injury in 1992. In 2022, Lawrence was appointed president of GCCC - a position he held up until his death. Throughout his final year, Lawrence appeared at many charity events to raise awareness of MND. Advertisement Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More on this story Related Internet Links
Hamilton Spectator
15 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
David ‘Syd' Lawrence, England's first British-born Black cricketer, has died at 61
GLOUCESTER, England (AP) — David 'Syd' Lawrence, the first British-born Black cricketer to play for England, has died. He was 61. Lawrence's family made the announcement on Sunday with a statement through Gloucestershire, where Lawrence was the club president. He announced a year ago he had motor neurone disease. 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease,' the family said. ''Syd' was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed. 'A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different. His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was.' He played five tests for England from 1988-92, taking 18 wickets. His international career prematurely ended at 28 when he broke his knee cap after falling awkwardly when running in to bowl against New Zealand on the final day of a test in Wellington. A strapping fast bowler who was renowned for being one of the quickest on the English county circuit, Lawrence was beginning to establish himself in tests and a five-for against the West Indies in 1991 helped England seal a series-levelling win at the Oval, with Viv Richards among his haul. Lawrence also played a sole one-day international against the West Indies at Lord's in 1991, taking 4-67. For Gloucestershire, he grabbed 625 wickets in 280 matches. The England and India teams gave Lawrence a moment's silence on Sunday in Leeds before the third day's play in the first test. Lawrence became a competitive bodybuilder following his retirement and he was also a nightclub owner in Bristol. After he detailed his experiences of racism during his playing career, Gloucestershire issued an unreserved apology in September 2021, and six months later he became the county's first Black president. Only last week, Lawrence received an MBE in King Charles III's birthday honors for outstanding services to cricket. At the time, he said, 'As a proud Gloucester man who achieved his dream to play for England on the cricket field, it means a great deal to me and to my family who have supported me with all their love during some difficult times. I have always put my heart and soul into any challenge I have faced and that is how I have approached things since my diagnosis with motor neurone disease.' He was fundraising to fight MND as recently as Friday, when Gloucestershire honored him during a Twenty20 game. Lawrence was also recently named an honorary life vice president of the England and Wales Cricket Board, and chair Richard Thompson paid tribute. 'David 'Syd' Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion,' Thompson said on Sunday. 'His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes. As a fast bowler, he thrilled crowds with his pace and passion. As a leader and advocate, he broke barriers and inspired change, becoming a powerful voice for inclusion and representation in our sport. 'Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time.' ___ AP cricket:
San Francisco Chronicle
15 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
David 'Syd' Lawrence, England's first British-born Black cricketer, has died at 61
GLOUCESTER, England (AP) — David 'Syd' Lawrence, the first British-born Black cricketer to play for England, has died. He was 61. Lawrence's family made the announcement on Sunday with a statement through Gloucestershire, where Lawrence was the club president. He announced a year ago he had motor neurone disease. 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with motor neurone disease,' the family said. "'Syd' was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed. 'A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different. His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was.' He played five tests for England from 1988-92, taking 18 wickets. His international career prematurely ended at 28 when he broke his knee cap after falling awkwardly when running in to bowl against New Zealand on the final day of a test in Wellington. A strapping fast bowler who was renowned for being one of the quickest on the English county circuit, Lawrence was beginning to establish himself in tests and a five-for against the West Indies in 1991 helped England seal a series-levelling win at the Oval, with Viv Richards among his haul. For Gloucestershire, he grabbed 625 wickets in 280 matches. The England and India teams gave Lawrence a moment's silence on Sunday in Leeds before the third day's play in the first test. Lawrence became a competitive bodybuilder following his retirement and he was also a nightclub owner in Bristol. After he detailed his experiences of racism during his playing career, Gloucestershire issued an unreserved apology in September 2021, and six months later he became the county's first Black president. At the time, he said, 'As a proud Gloucester man who achieved his dream to play for England on the cricket field, it means a great deal to me and to my family who have supported me with all their love during some difficult times. I have always put my heart and soul into any challenge I have faced and that is how I have approached things since my diagnosis with motor neurone disease.' He was fundraising to fight MND as recently as Friday, when Gloucestershire honored him during a Twenty20 game. Lawrence was also recently named an honorary life vice president of the England and Wales Cricket Board, and chair Richard Thompson paid tribute. 'David 'Syd' Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion,' Thompson said on Sunday. "His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes. As a fast bowler, he thrilled crowds with his pace and passion. As a leader and advocate, he broke barriers and inspired change, becoming a powerful voice for inclusion and representation in our sport. 'Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time.' ___
