Sergeant to run marathon to fundraise for inspirational officer

Sergeant Garrett Gloyn is taking on the challenge to fundraise for PCSO Andrea Shutt, who is battling the life-shortening condition.

There is no cure for Motor Neurone Disease, but in Andrea’s case, the disease is progressing rapidly and is already having a major impact on her life.

Amongst other things she now uses a motorised wheel chair to get about and her ability to communicate with her friends and family is becoming more difficult.

Andrea has finished ‘voice banking’ in anticipation of, at some future point, losing the ability to speak herself.

Back in July, Andrea along with inspector Karen Ellis raised over £15,000 for Motor Neurone Disease Association by completing a wingwalk.

Now Sergeant Gloyn wants to help raise money to pay for a computer that will assist Andrea to communicate.

Sergeant Gloyn said: “There are of course computer systems that assist those with MND to communicate.

“As the condition progresses patients can lose the use of their limbs so the better systems will recognise the person’s eye movement and speak for them.

“The NHS struggles to fund these systems and sometimes patients don’t get the best system for their needs.

“With Andrea having already raised money for charity I have decided to do something to encourage people to dip into their pockets again, but this time to help Andrea directly.”

“On April 7, 2019 I am running the Rome Marathon and am asking that you sponsor me so that we can raise money to pay for a computer that will assist Andrea to communicate.

“The best communication tools for Andrea will need to be properly assessed as her speech deteriorates but, a good computer, software package and stand can cost up to £6000.

“So that’s my fundraising goal."

Sergeant Gloyn will pay for his trip to Rome and the race entry, so all money donated will go entirely to the communication system.

So far he has raised £5,000 towards the target on his Justgiving page.

To donate, go to bit.ly/2WbkM27.