Database access failed: Duplicate entry '0892756004130056' for key 1 John's Journey - The MND Association

Watch a video of John Bell and his family

Dear John,

Many years ago a Spartan general called Leonidas, found himself with 300 men facing 30,000 Persians. He must have known the position was hopeless and for him could only end one way. The Persian Emperor called up to him behind his rock defences, "Give up, you haven't a chance. For you it is over. Just surrender." Down from the mountain pass, Leonidas sent one of the greatest replies ever recorded, "Molon Lave". It means "Come and get me". He may have died, but he was never defeated. Keep fighting John.

from Freddie Forsyth
(Author)

Dear John,

I noticed one day nearly two years ago that my mum was walking very oddly. That was the last time she came to visit as she couldn't manage the stairs at my house. She's now unable to bear her own weight and her speech is very hard to understand and she is currently in hospital with a lung infection. I'm trying to be strong for my mum but I'm so angry. The courage shown by you and your family has been a great benefit. Thank you.

from Lorna Stewart
(Edinburgh)

Messages

John's Journey finally came to an end at 1.30 a.m. on Saturday, 10th February. It was very peaceful and Charlotte was with him. It would have been his 33rd birthday today. I just want to thank everyone for the lovely messages which have been written on John's site, I can say there have been quite a few tears shed on the reading of them. John was an incredible son and loved by everybody who met him. There is a saying: "only the good die young" - well John was one of the best. Thanks again to everybody. Linda, Roger, Martin & Charlotte Hugs and kisses from Samuel and Gabriel

Linda and Roger Bell (John's parents)
(Sheffield)

At the approach of the first anniversary of John's passing I just wanted you to know that my thoughts are with you all. It is over 13 years since I lost my brother to this awful disease but, although I miss him and his passing still hurts I take comfort from the good times we shared and the laughter we had. I am sure that John has made an impact on many lives and will be remembered always for his courage and his love for his family. I hope that those memories will comfort you now and in the future

Chas Cooke
(Guildford)

May god be with you mate, and with your children and family. God Bless and well done for dealing so bravely with this harrowing condition. rest in peace mate, I'm sure your having that BUD you mentioned in the film now...

Tommy
(Glasgow)

I was just writing to MND to tell them we raised over £3k on a Golf Day in momeory of Hazel, my mother who died aged 64 in 2004. I was delighted when I realised how well we had done and just as dropping MND a note to tell them, when John popped into my head, I followed your story until earlier this year and if I am honest it was just too much and brought back some bery disturbing memories. I admire his courage and his attitude he was a wonderful man but to watch you lose someone you loves just brought it all home for me. Just logging on, I was so very sad to learn of his passing, strangely it was my Mothers birthday on February 10th too. I truly feel his contribution was enormous to help the fight for MND, I am just so sorry for your loss. It is an evil disease and we need to find a cure. I wish you and your beautiful children and long and happy life and cherish the memory of such a special man.

Lydia Foulkes
(London)

I read John's story and it really killed me but at the same time helped me. My fiancee was told in february that he is carrying the gene for Motor Neuron which he got from his Dad. I know that I will lose him someday but i'm willing to stand by him all the way till then. We found out just before we got engaged and it made no difference to me. We are also trying for a baby knowing the risks. John gave us a lot to think about and I just hope i'm not upsetting you by talking about him. If I am then I really apologise. Hope you and your children are well, all my love.

Angela Lumsden
(N/E England)

Hi there. I feel for you, I have been through the same as you, I lost my mum to Motor Neurone Disease in September 1999, it's an awful thing to live with. I hope and pray that they will find a cure for it, the suffering is over now thank God.

Sarah Robertson
(West Sussex)

Hi. I just want to say I knew John from school. And just wanted to say how sorry i am when i heard john had parted early this year. I only found out last year about john, i still cannot believe that john had MND after knowing him from an early age in school. Charlotte and family my heart goes out to you. He will never be forgotten for all his work, effort, bravery.

D Hobson
(Blackpool)

My mum passed away a year ago from Motor Neurone Disease, after having been diagnosed less than a year before. My thoughts are with your family and to everyone who was affected by John. I am sure that people's love and care will help you through this time.

Debbie Kosy
(Clunderwen, Pembs)

dear charlotte i have only just heard about john from our mnd rehab team my husband has just recently been diagnosed with mnd and it has floored us i know to an extent what you have gone through and i know what is to come my heart goes out to you and your children and family we have 3 young children and i am finding it very difficult at times but with the help of our family and friends we cope your children will grow up feeling very proud of their dad as i hope mine will of theirs lets hope a cure can be found very soon xxx

emma
(cleethorpes)

Tonight I found out that my sister-in-law has been diagnosed with MND. Forty four years old and a life expectancy of 2 months to 2 years... but then I don't need to tell you how cruel this disease can be. We are now starting out on the journey that John so courageously documented. We cannot foresee all its twists and turns; only its final destination. What I do know is that finding your site this evening has been a huge comfort to me. You have set little beacons along the path which we will now follow, that bit more steadily because we can see by the light of what you have been through. Thank you for having the courage to share your experience and I hope the knowledge that you are continuing to help and give comfort to others, in itself brings comfort to you. Wishing you and your family light and love.

Kim Gravell
(Runcorn, Cheshire)

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