MND, Self-Isolation and Me (Andy McGovern)

Andy McGovern is from Aughavas, Co Leitrim and was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease at the age of 43, 42 years ago. Andy has written two books, all with his right foot as he no longer has the use of his arms. His two books are called They Laughed at This Man’s Funeral and Against the Odds- Living with Motor Neurone Disease. Andy has given his account of self isolation.. over to you Andy..

Hello to my MND colleagues and fellow people living with of this disease.  As if we hadn’t got enough to cope with, another illness is about to invade our comfort zone.  Coronavirus!  We are told that self isolation is the only answer to this galloping epidemic.

As one of the longest survivors with MND.  Probably in the world.  42 years.  I find myself self isolated. But that does not worry me in the least.  It’s a small price to pay for my protection and for the protection of those around me.  I have confined myself to just one visitor.  My attentive daughter-in-law: Mary. Who sees to my everyday needs. Nobody else is allowed to visit.  Other members of the family who lived close by salute and hoot horns as they attend to their farm work.

All of this is not about me or people living with MND.  It’s about our nation.  We are all in this together.  Trust in God and trust yourself.  And as John F. Kennedy once said: ‘Ask not what your country can do for you.  But ask what you can do for your country.’

I love you all.  No surrender.  

Andy.