Vital funds needed for man suddenly struck with Motor Neurone Disease

The family of a man unexpectedly struck down with a life-changing disability are appealing for help in raising vital funds to make his home more accessible.

Dwayne Wells, of Wall Hill Road, Dobcross in Saddleworth, was happily looking forward to playing the ukulele on the day of his wedding, in the summer of 2023, when he found his fingers were not functioning properly. 

Knowing something was not right, Mr Wells asked his sister Justine Theaker, an NHS Physiotherapy Consultant, to examine his fingers.  

As she suspected early signs of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), she asked Mr Wells to get himself seen urgently by doctors and within weeks he was sadly diagnosed with the disease, which is a rare condition affecting the brain and nerves. 

The 33-year-old went from a super bright sociable family man to wheelchair bound within a space of a year, as he was suddenly hit with the worst type of Motor Neurone Disease ALS, which leads to muscle weakness, often with visible wasting. 

His family are now hoping to raise £53,000 for adjustments to his garden so he can get in and out of his house. 

His uncle Iain Brownlie, who is leading the Madchester Versus UK Help Dwayne music performance at a fundraising event at the Uppermill Civic Hall, said: “We have already raised just over £43,000 but we need more money so that we can get Dwayne to access his house more easily.  

“We need to make the adjustments to the front and back garden to make it more wheelchair accessible and safe. 

“Dwayne lives on a steep hill with steps leading up to his house. The funds will help us to get rid of the steps and put a ramp in place and also an electric stair lift at the back of the house. 

“This is the first stage of the adaptation process as a lot of work needs doing inside of the property too. It’s so frustrating for him to get out of the house without help and its takes two days of planning and two to three adults to get him out of his home and car.” 

He added: “We are holding the music night to raise funds because of Dwayne’s love of music. We are doing really well in terms of the donations and are now on the last hurdle. 

“If people cannot attend the show, then hit the link and let's help Dwayne get comfortable at home.” 

Mr Brownlie has managed to get all the best musicians from his time as a singer and guitarist together to put on a show for the fundraising event. 

For tickets to the live music event on March 15, 2025, visit www.helpdwayne.com or get them from the Uppermill Post Office.  

The performance at the Lee Street venue will take place from 7pm-11.30pm.