Dad given 'bombshell diagnosis' after complaining of…

Dad given 'bombshell diagnosis' after complaining of mouth ulcers

A dad was told the devastating news he had a degenerative disease after painful ulcers appeared in his mouth.

Mike Trees, from Southport, first went to see his GP after he started suffering from pain in his mouth which on certain days left him unable to eat. After numerous doctor and hospital appointments, Mike was still no clearer about the cause of his symptoms as he started losing his balance and slurring his speech.

It wasn’t until he was referred to a neurologist at the Walton Centre for further tests that Mike, 74, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease on November 8. Motor neurone disease is a rare and ultimately fatal disease that affects the brain and the nervous system and gradually gets worse over time.

There's no cure for MND, and it can significantly shorten life expectancy, but some people live with it for many years. Retired Merseyside Police sergeant Mike hopes sharing his story will help to raise awareness of MND - a condition which his daughter Jenny Athow had to Google to find out what it was.

Jenny, 30, told the ECHO: “When we got the diagnosis I didn’t actually know what it was. When I’ve been speaking to people they don’t know what it is either.

“Everybody knows what cancer is and it’s just as devastating as cancer. I’ve had to say to people ‘do you know Stephen Hawkins?’ And their faces are shocked. I want to make people aware of what it is.

"I think we’re all heartbroken really. It’s just really sad."

Jenny said her dad’s symptoms have deteriorated over the last year, during which time he has experienced several falls due to loss of balance. She said: “He had a choking incident this year where he ended up in hospital and the paramedics said if my mum hadn’t done what she did he would have died from it.

Retired Merseyside Police sergeant Mike Trees was diagnosed with motor neurone disease after years of going back and forwards to the doctor (Family handout)

“He was sat at the table eating his tea and he got up to get some water. He sat in his chair and then he just sort of lost consciousness. My mum had realised he was choking and called 999.

"They said 'you’ve got to get him off the chair and start CPR.' She dragged him off by his feet because she couldn’t lift him, and the force from him falling dislodged what was in his throat and the paramedics arrived.

"Obviously at this time we didn’t know it was to do with motor neurone disease. He was relieved to have a diagnosis because obviously it’s been going on for so long.

"He just wanted to know what was wrong with him and he said he’s relieved about that. He’s having up days and down days but over all he’s so positive."

Since her dad's diagnosis, Jenny has contacted the Motor Neurone Association, who she said have been incredible in offering support. Jenny is taking part in the Manchester Marathon on April 16 next year, with all money raised going to the Motor Neurone Association.

Mike Trees and his daughter Jenny Athow (Family handout)

Jenny added: "I contacted the Motor Neurone Association and they’ve been incredible because you’re given this bombshell of a diagnosis and then you’re like what now?” I felt really lost.

"I was able to ring them and the lady I spoke to was amazing. She told me what to do in different stages and talked me through different things. They’re sending out a pack of information and a recipe book."

In a message on the fundraising page, Jenny said: "My dad is the strongest, kindest, bravest and most inspirational man. I am running the Manchester Marathon as I want to make him proud, raise awareness of this devastating disease and do whatever I can to help to find a cure. "

To visit or donate to Jenny's fundraising page click here.