Former Horsham teacher’s ‘terrible shock’ at MND diagnosis aged just 55

Lindsay Webber, who was forced to give up teaching in July due to her disease, said she is determined to look on the bright side despite doctors dropping the bombshell diagnosis last year.

She said: “I had symptoms all through the spring and summer and I didn’t find out what it was until the end of August.

“It was a terrible shock and not how I envisaged the last part of my life however I’m endeavouring to stay positive.”

Lindsay, who taught at Shelley Primary School and Loxwood Primary School, suffers speech and balance problems due to the muscle wasting disease.

But she said she is adopting a ‘growth mindset’ to tackle MND, something she taught to her pupils. Lindsay is calling on the Government to increase funding into research into the life-limiting disease.

She is urging MPs to join the latest All-Party Parliamentary Group meeting on MND which is being held on February 25.

Lindsay said she is unable to run, walk or cycle long distances due to her condition so she hopes to raise awareness of MND after deciding to ‘focus on what she can do, rather than what she can’t do’.

Lindsay was bowled over by kind messages after leaving teaching. She said: “[Leaving is] very sad however I’m receiving so many good wishes from parents and staff and even from past pupils.

“They really, really warmed my heart. It’s lovely. It really is.”

Lindsay said she has struck up a friendship with Horsham man Martin Comper, who was also diagnosed last year.

She added: “We sustain each other somewhat and encourage each other so that’s so lovely.”

When lockdown eases Lindsay hopes to visit family and friends around the country.

Last months, scientists revealed they had made a breakthrough in reversing MND, Lindsay said. She added: “I’m living with the hope that I can stay strong and survive long enough for the break through to manifest itself in the treatment.”

For more about the MND meeting see https://www.mndassociation.org/get-involved/campaigning/take-action/united-to-end-mnd/