Mayor faces life threatening disease
Tim Kelly



Blayney mayor Cr Ted Wilson told councillors at Monday night’s council meeting he would stay on as mayor until September 2008 in spite of being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Sufferers have a life expectancy of three to five years. Mr Wilson was re-elected mayor in September defeating Cr Neil Manson by 5 votes to 4.
In a release to the media on Tuesday Blayney Shire Council general manager Andrew Roach quoted Cr Wilson’s comment at the meeting: “This has really been a shock to Betty and I, and at the moment we are reassessing a lot of things for the road ahead. One thing that for certain, is I am going to finish my term as mayor of Blayney Shire Council”. Cr Wilson said.

The Australian Government Health website says “Motor neurone disease often begins with weakness of the muscles of the hands or feet. It eventually leads to generalised paralysis. People with motor neurone disease need help with daily activities and have a life expectancy of three to five years after their diagnosis.

It is unknown what causes MND and there is no cure. In the majority of MND cases the person’s intellect and memory are not affected and they retain their senses of eyesight, hearing, taste, smell and touch.

Councillors and staff wished the mayor well and endorsed his commitment to Blayney Shire at the meeting.

Cr Wilson said his doctors had conformed he was “more than capable” of fulfilling his duties.

“I see my role as mayor as an amazing opportunity to raise awareness of MND, and during my final 12 months as mayor, I intend to provide not only the Blayney community but the broader CENTROC area with the needs and requirements of those with MND,” he said.

Mrs Betty Wilson joined her husband Ted at the council meeting when he made the announcement.

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