Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Pauline - Interview 30

Pauline was diagnosed with PMA (progressive muscular atrophy) about 2 years ago (2005), after several years of leg weakness. She cannot walk far and uses a wheelchair, but is still able to work full-time.

  • Background

    Pauline is a freelance market research consultant in the pharmaceutical industry, married with 2 children, aged 24 and 22. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 54
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Mike - Interview 23

    Mike was diagnosed with bulbar onset MND 2 years ago in 2005. He is now unable to speak, so was interviewed through his wife Gill. He uses a whiteboard and Lightwriter to communicate. He has a PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy).

  • Background

    Mike (aged 54) and Gill (aged 49) are a married couple with 3 adult children. Mike retired as a Fire Master. Gill is a management consultant. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 54
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Ann - Interview 24

    Ann was diagnosed with bulbar onset MND within the last 6 months (in 2006), after speech and swallowing difficulties. She is about to have a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG).

  • Background

    Ann is a retired speech therapist, widowed with 2 adult children. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 72
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Sylvia - Interview 25

    Sylvia was diagnosed a year ago in 2005, after noticing difficulties walking. She can move around at home with a trolley, and uses a wheelchair or scooter outdoors. She uses non-invasive ventilation regularly.

  • Background

    Sylvia is a part-time book-keeper, married to an architect, with 6 adult children (including 4 step-children). Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 66
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Hal - Interview 26

    Hal was diagnosed with MND nearly three years ago in 2004. Diagnosis revised to primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) a year ago. His speech is affected, but mobility is still good.

  • Background

    Hal is a retired software company managing director, married with 2 adult children. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 60
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Derek - Interview 27

    Derek was diagnosed 5-6 years ago (2001 or 2002). His arms and legs are affected but he is still able to walk unaided round the house. Finds his memory for words is being affected.

  • Background

    Derek is a retired general manager, married, with 6 adult children. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 73
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Phil - Interview 28

    Phil was diagnosed just over a year ago, after nearly 2 years of leg weakness. He is still able to walk at home but uses a wheelchair and scooter outdoors. He has some weakness in his right arm.

  • Background

    Phil is a retired transporter fleet controller, married, with 2 adult children. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 60
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Michael - Interview 29

    Michael was diagnosed less than a year ago in 2006 after noticing weakness in his right arm. His arm weakness remains his main symptom, and it has got worse. Currently he is on sick leave from work.

  • Background

    Michael is a business manager (motor sales), married with 2 children, aged 11 and 9. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 40
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Vim - Interview 32

    Vim was diagnosed just over a year ago in 2006 with bulbar onset MND. His speech is affected but he can still talk, and he can still walk independently. He has retired early.

  • Background

    Vim is a retired retail manager, married with 2 children aged 25 and 21. Ethnic background/nationality: British Asian.

  • Age at interview 45
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Jenny - Interview 01

    Jenny is the daughter of a man who was diagnosed in 2001 with motor neurone disease at the age of 81, and who died 4 months later. He was ill for a year before diagnosis.

  • Background

    Jenny is a married housewife and mother of three children aged 18, 16 and 13. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.

  • Age at interview 49
  • Sex/Gender Female