Musician's failure to keep rhythm was sign of MND

A musician who found himself struggling to tap his foot in time to a beat has said it was an early sign of motor neurone disease (MND).

Patrick Darling, from Bristol, said he ignored a number of early symptoms of the disease before they worsened and he was diagnosed at the age of 30 in 2023.

MND is a degenerative condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It can leave people unable to speak, eat or even breathe.

But Mr Darling said he does not want to be defined by the disease, adding: "It's not who I am, it's something I have to deal with."

He had been working on boats at the time he began to experience symptoms and his balance started to become affected.

One such incident saw him fall overboard after losing his footing and it was this which led to his diagnosis.

"My life looks completely different now. I've spent a great deal of time learning instruments, singing, working on boats, painting models. I can't do them anymore and that can make you feel like you're not you anymore.

"That really is the hardest part and the biggest impact MND has had on me," Mr Darling said.

He was speaking after the death of former Gloucestershire and England cricketer David 'Syd' Lawrence, who was diagnosed with MND in 2024.

As a musician, Mr Darling is determined to retain his sense of identity. MND has impacted his speech but advancements in technology have allowed him to continue composing music.

He said: "I use my laptop and a special software and give the music to my guitarist, and he will play it for me.

"I think that keeps me mentally strong, because I'm creating. It really is my purpose. Music is my life."

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