A COURAGEOUS Greenock dad has opened up about his battle with a rapidly progressing terminal illness.

Donald Miller was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) on the day of his daughter’s 16th birthday.

Although the average life expectancy for the condition is 14 months from diagnosis, Donald has continued to bravely fight on as the incurable condition takes its toll on his body.

The brave 54-year-old, of Walker Street, spoke out to mark MND awareness week and highlight the help that the charity MND Scotland can provide.

Donald, who is also known as Donza, is no longer able to communicate fluently, so his wife Michelle, his full-time carer, helped him share his story.

He said: “There should be more advertising for MND Scotland to raise awareness because the sooner a cure is found, the better.”

Michelle said alarm bells first started to ring when Donald struggled to walk properly.

She said: “He was dragging his feet a lot and that’s how we knew that there was a problem. 

“It didn’t take long after that.

“It was very quick. 

“He was diagnosed with MND six months later and then he went into a wheelchair.

“We went through all the different stages — first we were hurt and in denial and some of your friends go away because they don’t know what to say to Donald.”

Michelle, 53, said that it was tough when Donald’s speech was affected.

She added: “The hardest part was his speech. 

“People don’t know how to deal with Donza. 

“People kept asking me instead of asking him directly, and this is when he could still talk. 

“Donald’s right there, he’s only in a wheelchair, so it was a case of speak to him yourself. 

“I think that was the hardest part for him. 

“It’s hard how people kind of flog you off because they can’t understand you any more. 

“He used to love banter and now only a few people will take the time to speak to Donza. 

“A bit of patience is all that’s needed.”

Michelle is now a full-time carer for Donald, except for four hours a week of respite she receives from Inverclyde Carers’ Centre. 

She said: “I get respite every Friday night from 6.30pm to 10.30pm through the centre and it means I can go to the bingo, which is great.”

Despite the challenges, the Millers — including their three children, Paul, 31, David, 30, and Danielle, 25 — say they are grateful for the support they have received.

Michelle said: “I’m a full-time carer for Donald now. 

“He originally didn’t want anyone in the house but as time has gone on, we’ve got more help. 

“I’ve found all of the support fantastic, particularly the grants which are available.

“We’ve made use of the MND Scotland ‘time out’ grant, which allowed us to get away on a short break and we also used an equipment and adaptations grant to laminate the floor, which makes it a lot easier to move a wheelchair around in the house. 

“They’ve been really helpful.”

Donald, who was a former moulder for Gulf Coast Seal, is an avid football fan and played in amateur teams for over 23 years. 

He is a long-time Celtic fan and, thanks to his local supporters’ group, he has been able to continue attending matches at Celtic Park as the condition progresses.

Michelle said: “We’ve had a lot of support from Celtic, particularly the John O’Doyle supporters bus which is organised by the supporters from the Green Oak Bar. 

“Everyone there is brilliant and they all help lift Donza onto the bus. It’s great.

“The club has given Donald a season ticket, and he has a special space for wheelchairs. They are really good with their fans. 

“Because of his condition, it’s not easy to get out and about, but now we can still go to the games for a cut price and we can get Donald out of the house, which is really important.

“The bus pass is brilliant too, because you can still get out and about if the weather is nice.”

The last nine years since the diagnosis have been very challenging for the family, but both Michelle and Donald have kept a positive outlook on life.

Michelle said: “A lot of people with MND don’t live as long as Donald has. 

“Having it so long now, it’s like we’ve been in a washing machine and come out with a new outlook on life — that’s how he dealt with it. 

“It’s all about your attitude. You’ve just got to get yourself into the mind-set. 

“We stay very positive. 

“Every day is a bonus for him, and every day is a new day for me. 

“We live in hope.”

Donald and Michelle, who have four grandchildren — Lucie, four, Jock, one, Alex, 10 months, and Josh, eight weeks — would like to thank all their loved ones for their support.