The Incurable Optimist ; When Artist Patrick Joyce Was Diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease He Challenged Himself to Paint 100 Portraits in the Short Time He has Left...

Summary

---

Patrick Joyce was only 38 when he was told, two years ago, that he was terminally ill with motor neurone disease. He rang Kathy, his fiancee, who was at home looking after their baby Elliot. 'She responded instantly, saying, "I will look after you right until the very end"' he recalls, his eyes watering. Since then this extraordinary couple have been racing against the clock to cram a lifetime of love into the scant time Patrick, an artist, has left.

It could be just a few months. Motor neurone disease (MND) attacks the nervous system and leaves muscles damaged, causing loss of mobility and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing. One in 50,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year and sufferers usually die within five years of its onset. Its cause is a mystery but some experts believe an individual's damaged genetic make-up might be a contributory factor.

See the full content of this document

Extract

---

The Incurable Optimist ; When Artist Patrick Joyce Was Diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease He Challenged Himself to Paint 100 Portraits in the Short Time He has Left...

There is currently no cure, but in the past two years there have been two exciting discoveries that may lead to more effective treatment of the illness.

In Patrick's case, as in most, MND has occurred randomly for no apparent reason and without any family history. He is not, however, giving up without a fight. Despite his diminishing ability to move, speak or swallow, he remains deeply committed to two campaign...

See the full content of this document

---