Thursday 30 April 2009

Introduction to Del's Story

On 25 February 2008 my close friend Del Deanus was diagnosed with the terminal illness Motor Neurone Disease aged just 34 years-old.

Since that devastating day Del has dealt with the cruel hand fate has given him with dignity, humour and inspirational courage.

Exactly a year after the diagnosis Del and I got together and began writing a book about his life, his football career and his experiences with MND.
We will also be exploring the possibility of a link between the disease and people who play sport at a high standard.

This blog will give you an opportunity to follow the progress of Del's Story.

To find out more about the disease please visit:http://www.mndassociation.orgThank you.

Hi,

This bloghas been set up to raise awareness of the devastating terminal illness Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Del and I are working together to write a book about his life living with MND and how he and his wife Emma are coping with the disease.

Del wants his story to raise awareness of the disease and to raise funds for the MND Association.

Please feel free to let your friends know about this blog.We will be posting regular updates on how the book is progressing.Here is a little background information on Del.

Del was an outstanding youth footballer who represented England schoolboys playing alongside Ryan Giggs and Nicky Barmby.He spent four years as a youth and apprentice player at Tottenham Hotspur during the era of Paul Gascoigne, Gary Lineker and Terry Venables.

The book contains some fantastic inside stories about life at the club during this exciting time.Injury cut short Del's playing career but he went on to have very successful spells in coaching and management with Southall, Northwood, Edgware Town and is currently co-manager of Welwyn Garden City FC.

Since his diagnosis Del has got married to his long term girlfriend Emma. He has travelled across America and is still working 14 months after his illness was confirmed.We began writing this book on February 25 2009, a year after Del's diagnosis. Our goal is to have it completed by 25 August 2009.This date will be significant because it will mark 18 months since Del's initial diagnosis.

The life expectancy of people with the disease is between two to five years with 50 per cent of sufferers dying within 18 months.Far from being a book about a young man dying our aim is to make it the story of someone whose fighting spirit will inspire others to make the most of life.

Thanks for reading and keep an eye out for updates.