'It will rob me': Paralysed Staffordshire mum bravely speaks out on incurable disease diagnosis

A hairdresser for over 35 years, Debbie Whitehouse, from Rugeley, was first troubled by symptoms back in 2022 when while getting on with her career she noticed muscle aches when blow-drying clients hair where she worked. 

She also noticed her body feeling generally weaker over a period of days before a colleague noticed it as well, eventually forcing her to see her GP for a check up - thinking it could just be menopause kicking in. 

But after seeing a doctor and explaining, she was her condition could be one of many things and doctors began a multitude of tests to see if they could pinpoint what was causing the problem. 

After seven months of 'all manner' of tests Debbie was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease - a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that damages motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and wasting, affecting movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing. 

Debbie was told that the condition would take the life of 50 per cent of the people who get it within two years, and 90 per cent within five, while Debbie herself was told she had a 15 per cent chance or surviving two years - a target she smashed last September upon the two year anniversary of her diagnosis. 

She, said: "I noticed that I was getting weaker while I was at work and I thought it was age and menopause, but when I saw a doctor they noticed slurring of speech as well. They referred me to the neurology department where I had numerous tests and was later diagnosed with MND after testing for multiple different conditions. 

"It was seven months of testing, I noticed in April 2022 and was diagnosed in September 2022. I have had it for two years now. Doctors gave me a 15 per cent chance of death within two years, which is common for people who suffer the condition.

"Telling my family was the worse thing ever, and telling my children was especially hard. 

"I had an inkling about having it already to be honest because all of symptoms matched the condition when I looked online, everyone's story was the same as mine. I was looking for something that would make me think that I didn't have it but I never found anything. 

"Nobody in my family knew what the condition was, none of us had any idea what it was, what it would do or how serious it would end up being."

The brave mum has since started social media channels - including support group MND Queens on Facebook - to support other sufferers of the condition, which caught the attention of hero fundraiser Martyn Clarke. 

Debbie has also set up an Instagram page documenting her journey, which is where she started talking to Martyn. 

The endurance athlete is preparing for his fourth and final challenge - the MND777 - to raise awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The MND777 challenge is his most ambitious undertaking yet and will will see Clarke run seven marathons in seven days across seven counties in the UK to raise awareness and funds for MND charities.

 This extraordinary event is set for May 5, 2025, running a massive 183 miles. 

His route will take him from Portishead, Somerset, eastward to Birmingham, then onward to Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Tyne & Wear, and finally concluding in Leeds on May 11, 2025 at the iconic Rob Burrow CBE Leeds Marathon—a tribute to those battling Motor Neurone Disease. There, Clarke will assist MND campaigner Ian Flatt in completing the marathon for the third consecutive year.

The MND777 challenge is dedicated to the MND community, with all proceeds benefiting four leading MND charities.

These charities include Leeds Hospitals Charity, Mel Evans MBE Foundation MND Association and The Darby Rimmer Foundation.

Martyn. said: "Every step I take is for those fighting, suffering, and battling MND.

"This will be my final endurance challenge, and I’m honoured to raise awareness and funds for these incredible charities that support so many families affected by MND."

Runners and supporters are invited to join Clarke on his journey, showing solidarity with those impacted by Motor Neurone Disease.

Debbie, said: "Being an ambassador for Martyn is brilliant, I'm so thankful for all the work he's doing to help this condition, I hope the part I'm playing forms part of a better future for those who suffer this condition.

"Starting the social media page lead to my discussion with him and that's just one of the benefits of taking my story online. 

"Being able to help others who are going through a similar journey to me fills me with pride."

To find  Debbie's support page on Facebook, click here. 

You can also support and follow Debbie on her own journey here. 

You can donate to the Martyn's challenge here.