A SUPERFIT former marine tragically struck down by motor neurone disease has raised more than £1,000 to help research to find a cure.

Tam Taylor, 64, who lives in Auchmead Road, started feeling unwell two years ago.

After complaining of a sore throat he was referred to an ENT consultant and later sent to see a stroke specialist.

Almost 12 months later, following several tests, Tam was diagnosed with Bulbar Onset MND, leaving him unable to speak or swallow.

His wife Evelyn, 63, said: “It came as a big shock.  It was his throat first of all; he was finding it difficult to clear it. He was also very emotional for no reason, which can be a symptom of a stroke.

“The doctors realised it wasn’t and he was sent to a neurologist. It was nearly a year before he was diagnosed.”

Tam has to be tube-fed and the disease is now affecting his back, arms and legs and arms.

But he remains an inspiration to everyone who meets him and his very supportive family.

Evelyn, a secretary at Inverclyde Royal Hospital, said: “Tam has always been a fit person. He played amateur football for years with Port Juniors, Greenock High former pupils and Rankin Park football teams.

“He joined the Royal Marine reservists when he was 30 and served with them for 16 years and travelled all around the world.”

Tam also took up running and completed several marathons and half marathons over the years.

He also enjoyed the Glasgow to Edinburgh cycle last year.

Remarkably, right up until and after he was diagnosed Tam was still working as a maintenance fitter at Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

He only took sick leave after a gastrostomy tube was fitted in December to allow time for the wound to heal.

Evelyn said: “Even though he has MND he has never complained and still attends Ravenscraig Activity Centre on a regular basis

“This keeps him motivated and the staff are very helpful.

“He uses a tablet to communicate and we’ve all learned sign language.

“It’s very basic but it definitely helps.”

Tam has received a lot of support from charity MND Scotland.
He has regular visits from speech and language experts, a dietician, occupational therapist, physio, MND nurse specialists and a neurologist, while also seeing a chest and respiratory consultant at the Royal Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Tam wanted to give something back to help MND Scotland with their research and the entire family took part in the 5k charity run in Holyrood Park in Edinburgh.

They have so far raised a terrific total of £1,150.

Tam and Evelyn, who will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in October, have a daughter Karen, 37, who has a six-year-old son Xander, and a son Nicol, 35.

Nicol and his wife Claire, who organised the fun run, have four children — Chloe, 15, Jessica, 11, Katelyn, 9, and three-year-old Cameron.

They were joined by Tam’s sisters Irene, Jean and brother-in-law Eddie on the day as well as Claire’s brother Chris and his fiancee Lana.

Evelyn, Irene and Jean also previously cycled round Cumbrae in June and raised £2,000 for the charity.

Evelyn said: “The 5k was a brilliant day and Tam managed to walk the last 20 yards.

“He is a true inspiration to those who know and love him.”

Karen added: “Everyone was clapping and cheering and the band was playing. It was fantastic.”