Staffordshire companies have launched fundraising campaigns to help local IT specialist and businessman James Gilliver to continue to live at home following his diagnosis with MND (Motor Neurone Disease).
An external lift is desperately needed for James to get in and out of the home he shares with Lisa, his wife.
Now two Newcastle-under-Lyme companies, Bennett Architectural and Castle Comfort Stairlifts have launched crowdfunding campaigns to support their long-term business associate.
Staff members from Bennett Architectural, based at the Rosevale Business Park, will be climbing Snowdon to support James, and have set a £2,500 fundraising target.
James has worked with the company for more than 20 years.
Managing Director, Rob Bennett, said: “James is a valued friend of the Bennett Architectural family who has dedicated two decades to our company, overseeing our IT department with expertise, dedication, and an ever-helpful spirit.
“He is known for his kindness, his willingness to go the extra mile, and his integral role in keeping our operations running smoothly. But now, he is facing the toughest battle of his life—a battle against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) – and it is our turn to support James.
“By donating, you will be giving James the chance to live with dignity and comfort during this incredibly challenging time. Every contribution, big or small, will make a difference. Your generous support will help.
“One of the most significant needs is a £25,000 integrated home stair lift to provide James with wheelchair access and mobility within his own home. This essential equipment will allow James to maintain some independence and ease the physical challenges of his daily life.”
Castle Comfort Stairlifts has also launched a fundraising campaign. Managing Director Keith Simpson said James had looked after the computer network for the Newcastle company since its foundation almost 30 years ago.
Poignantly, the company’s fundraising page shows a photo of James with Castle Comfort staff at an earlier fundraiser for MND, a rare and life-shortening condition affecting the brain and nerves.
Public knowledge about the incurable disease has been increased in recent years by sportsmen with the condition, such as Rugby League legend Rob Burrow who died at the beginning of June. The crowdfunding page also references the death from MND of much-loved former Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor and Ladsandads football founder, Cllr Doug Brown.
Keith said: “James remains positive and, for the time being, continues to work – all against impossible odds. An access lift is desperately needed but grants are scarce, and James has been unable to get a Disabled Facilities Grant.”
People can support the Castle Comfort fundraiser via https://shorturl.at/XS94V, while the Bennett Architectural Just Giving page can be found at https://shorturl.at/88rID.
While coming to terms with his diagnosis, James and Lisa have also found themselves frustrated by bureaucracy.
They are currently liaising with Occupational Therapy but an application for a Disabled Facilities Grant, to help pay for facilities such as a lift, has so far failed to win council support.
Lisa Gilliver explained this was because of James’ position as a company director, at M & M Information Technologies Ltd, of Longton.
The grants are means tested and the total value of the company is taken into account, even though James doesn’t have access to those funds.
James said: “I want to thank friends and business associates who have rallied round for help. I haven’t asked for support, but people are so kind.
“I am just one of a large group of MND patients who find it difficult to access support. That’s why, earlier this year, I publicly urged our local General Election candidates to support a campaign for change by the MND Association. The MND Association says the act of providing care to family and friends often comes at a significant cost, both financially and emotionally, while too many people living with MND reside in unsuitable and unsafe housing. Unpaid carers are critical in providing support for people with MND but the monetary assistance they receive for doing so is simply not good enough.”
MND is the short term for motor neurone disease, which affects the nerves known as motor neurones. These nerves are found in the brain and spinal cord, and they help tell your muscles what to do. “If you have MND, this means your movement will be affected and you are likely to get a wide range of symptoms. MND cannot be stopped or reversed, but therapies, equipment and medication can help manage symptoms.
ENDS
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