MND community take part in Wiltshire fundraising concert

BBC News

12-04-2025

A man diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) is to take part in a fundraising concert to raise money and awareness of the condition.Mark Quantick is a member of the Voices of Hope choir, which includes people who are either living with MND or have been affected by it. The concert, organised by Mel Upton - a volunteer with the North Wiltshire Group of the MND Association, will be held at the Ellendune Community Centre in Wroughton, starting at 18:30 BST."I'm looking forward to the show, but it's going to be very emotional," said Mr Quantick.
Mr Quantick, a former plumber, began noticing symptoms when he struggled to complete everyday tasks at work."I realised I couldn't lift radiators that I used to throw over my shoulder," he said.He was later diagnosed with MND - a rare neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle weakness. More than 5,000 people in the UK live with the disease, and life expectancy is typically just a few years after diagnosis.
Mel Upton, who formed the choir, said she wanted to use her passion for singing to raise awareness of MND.She and her daughter wrote a special song for the event, The Love Inside, inspired by words shared by people living with the disease."The words are beautiful and really well meaning," she said.The choir includes hospice workers, people living with MND, those who have lost loved ones, and friends of the MND Association. They have prepared for the performance with just ten weeks of rehearsals.For some choir members, this will be their first experience singing in public.
Mr Quantick's MND has affected his breathing, swallowing, and mobility, but he says he remains optimistic."I'm fortunate my MND has progressed slowly. The biggest challenge is getting up on my feet."I've coped quite well - I'm a positive person. But it's difficult when you know what it's leading to."Mr Qunatick's wife, Wendy, has supported him throughout his diagnosis."Day-to-day tasks can be a struggle, but we manage. He likes to stay independent - he doesn't want me doing everything for him," she said.Mr Quantick will perform This Is Where You Ain't by Glenn Tilbrook - a song he says now reflects his life with MND.His wife, who will also be singing in the choir, said the performance will be both therapeutic and emotional."I think it's going to be tough," said Mrs Quantick."There are songs he's always sung along to without thinking - but now the words hit differently. They're very poignant."