Spotlight on MND as charity launches second ‘Life & Loss’ podcast series

Forest Holme Hospice Charity has launched a second season of its ‘Life & Loss’ podcast series, which begins with two deeply moving interviews exploring the immense physical and mental challenges of living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and the impact it can have on a partner and their family. 

In the first episode Danny Fudge-Harman, a 47-year-old property consultant from Poole, reflects on life before and after his diagnosis 11 years ago, and how, despite losing the ability to walk, use his arms, or breathe unaided, he has become a passionate advocate for the MND community and explains his own personal journey which is a testament to his strength in the face of adversity.

In the following episode Danny’s wife Annabella talks about her own personal experience of caring for her husband and the challenges and experiences involved in supporting a loved one through this cruel and relentless disease. She discusses the impact of his diagnosis and the subsequent effect it has had on their daily lives, as well as on her own mental health and wellbeing, but also the moments of joy they have shared together.

MND has been in the national spotlight recently following the conclusion of the heartbreaking storyline featuring popular character Paul Foreman, played by Peter Ash, who died in hospital following his diagnosis in 2023. Viewers of the soap have watched on in recent weeks as Paul suffered the devastating effects of MND including using a wheelchair and a computer to recreate his voice, which are both challenges Danny has experienced.

The ‘Life & Loss’ podcast brings together individuals of different ages and backgrounds with unique first-hand experiences, alongside healthcare professionals, to share their stories, knowledge, information and strategies for coping with the many challenges associated with life-limiting illnesses and grief.

The podcasts are available on Forest Holme Hospice Charity’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/@forestholmehospicecharity and on all audio platforms via https://linktr.ee/forestholmehospicecharity