John Bell sadly passed away today - 10 February 2007 - at his home near Sheffield, at the age of 32. He had lived with Motor Neurone Disease for almost six years.

By sharing his journey with others, John did so much to raise awareness of MND and support for the MND Association. He was also a loving husband to Charlotte, and a devoted father of two wonderful young boys - Samuel and Gabriel. Our thoughts are with them now.
http://www.johnsjourney.org/diary.php
Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2007 3:39 pm Post subject: Johns Journey

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

hi all,

It is with great sadness that I tell you that Johns journey sadly ended at 0130 this morning, He died at home surrounded by his family just as he wanted.

I cannot say how proud I am or was of John and his courageous fight against this dreadful illness and thankyou all for your support as we have battled our way through this nightmare.

John like many of you was one of lifes most admirable people and fought this illness to the bitter end with sheer detirmination and spirit and I am proud to have been a major part of his life, JOhn was one of lifes unspoken heros.

I wish all of you good luck in your own journeys and will assist wherever possible to strive and help us find a cure for this evil illness.

Charlotte x

//////////////////////////////////////////////////

'John's journey' at an end for brave battler

John Bell


« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »
View GalleryBy Kate LahiveHealth Reporter
A YOUNG dad who battled for almost six years against Motor Neurone Disease has lost his brave fight for life.

John Bell, aged 32, from Killamarsh, near Sheffield, was diagnosed with the degenerative disease - which also affects Professor Stephen Hawking - at the unusually young age of just 27.
Although the news was devastating, he was determined to use his experiences to help others.
Motor Neurone Disease usually affects people over 40, causes progressive paralysis as the muscles stop working, and the average life expectancy is only between 18 months to five years from diagnosis.
But John - who had been signed to Sheffield Hallam FC as a semi-professional and had ambitions to play for Manchester United - agreed to talk publicly with his wife Charlotte about the disease which had turned their lives upside down.
Star readers took the couple to their hearts and raised thousands of pounds to enable John to fly to China for experimental stem cell treatment. It was hoped the treatment would slow or even reverse the condition. Sadly there was no dramatic improvement for the father-of-two.
The couple then decided to speak out to a wider audience by taking part in a national campaign to raise awareness of the disease that robs sufferers of their ability to move, speak or swallow - even though their intellect remains intact.
Posters showing John as a healthy young man and keen footballer, and then in a wheelchair as a result of his condition, featured in the Motor Neurone Disease Association's 'John's Journey' campaign.
John wrote movingly about his experiences on the internet, using specialised computer equipment when he could no longer speak.
The campaign helped double public awareness and resulted in £100,000 of additional donations for the charity.
Charlotte, 32, today paid tribute to her husband's courage and said: "John was one of life's most admirable people and fought his illness to the bitter end with sheer determination and spirit.
"He battled so bravely for six years, and found ways of carrying on without each thing that Motor Neurone Disease took from him. Above all, he turned the darkest moments into light ones with his constant humour, without which I doubt either of us could have carried on."
She added: "John was the most handsome man I ever met, he was brave and kind, and most of all he was my silent, unspoken hero. I am proud to have been a major part of his life."
The couple have two sons Samuel, aged five, and Gabriel, two.
Dr Kirstine Knox, chief executive of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, praised the couple's courage and said: "John's contribution to raising awareness, and of the need to cure this cruel disease, cannot be overstated."
Hundreds of people sent messages of support to the website including Prime Minister Tony Blair, Tory leader David Cameron MP, actor Jude Law, Lord Archer, Christine Hamilton and MND Association President Lembit Öpik MP.
His last online entry was on December 7 last year, when he was no longer well enough to be photographed for the website and told his readers: "I have been having a difficult few weeks."
But he added: "Aside from all this we cannot wait till Christmas. The kids are beside themselves with excitement. I cannot wait to see their faces on Christmas morning."
Log on to www.johnsjourney.org for more information.
Last Updated: 14 February 2007