I want my arm amputated
Brave Gerard's wish for a bionic limb
Sunday, March 18, 2007

By Stephen Breen



A young Ulster sufferer of Motor Neurone Disease says he wishes he had the money to pay to have his right arm amputated.

Speaking one year after he was diagnosed with the devastating muscle wasting illness, Gerard Reid made the vow after losing all power in the arm.

He wishes he could afford to have a new bionic arm fitted.

The Downpatrick man - one of the youngest people in the UK to suffer from the illness - also told how he was now confined to a wheelchair, had put on three stone because of his inability to exercise and suffered from slurred speech.

But, in spite of having the same crippling condition that claimed the life of Celtic football legend Jimmy 'Jinky' Johnstone last year, Gerard has vowed to continue his fight against the illness

Said the 31-year-old: "In just one year I have been confined to a wheelchair, lost the power of my right arm and put on weight because I can't exercise - but this won't stop me from fighting this disease.

"It would take millions, but if I had the money, I would go to the United States and have my arm amputated so that I can get a new bionic arm that I could use.

"I know this is not going to happen, but I am still willing to take any type of drugs that are currently being tested.

"My spirits remain high because my wife Michelle and family have been fantastic in caring for me.

"I am still involved in the Motor Neurone Disease Association and I will always do my best to help other people. I am determined to fight this all the way."

The Downpatrick man also told how he had sent an email to Prime Minister Tony Blair, in a bid to raise awareness about MND.

Gerard hopes the government can provide more funding for research.

The Co Down man also told his story in a bid to make people aware of the speed of which the disease takes hold of the body.

Added Gerard: "I told Tony Blair that I was basically a 31-year-old baby who couldn't do anything for himself. I was surprised at the speed of which the disease took hold on my body.

"I thanked him for the money which the government has already donated, but I also stressed the importance of continued funding for research.

"I outlined what I, and hundreds of other people, have been through in the last year and just hope the government continues to take the matter seriously.

"I told the Prime Minister how some of my muscles have now turned to jelly and I would urge other MND sufferers to raise their cases with Tony Blair.

"People still need to be aware of MND because it could affect anyone and if the Assembly is restored our local politicians should also address it. "

The chances of someone Gerard's age contracting MND is around a million to one.

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I have wondered if this was a valid option scientifically. Its my understanding that the most advanced bionic arms use nerves that run to the shoulder and then attach as controls for the arm. If that is what was done, it seems that it would be no good for ALS because these are the very nerves that are destroyed by ALS.

However, there are more advanced "brain control" devices that have been experimented with that feed directly from the brain. If they can get THOSE to control an arm (or leg!) with accuracy I would say, "lop em off". They can call me the "Six Million Dollar Wayne"