WARM tributes have been paid to a devoted Port Glasgow dad who sadly passed away after battling motor neurone disease.

Alexander Conway, who was brought up in King Street and served time in the local shipyards as a painter/sign-writer, lost his battle with the progressive disease in 2002.

His son Michael, 50, has decided to speak out to mark the 15th anniversary of his father’s death and to raise awareness of the condition.

Michael said: “I am focusing on my dad right now because of his anniversary. 

“It was a pleasure to know him and to be his son. 

“I want to remember him by raising awareness of the devastating illness he had.

“I have missed my dad being there and his illness was all the more painful as he was a very talented sign-writer and painter, with excellent brain to hand co-ordination. 

“Normal kids had wallpaper in their bedrooms — we had giant Disney murals!

“My children have missed out on having a grandfather and I am taking this time to remember how wonderful it was to have him in our lives, though he was taken far too early.”

Alexander, who worked in Ferguson’s, lived in Port Glasgow with his wife Joyce, Michael and the couple’s late son Christopher, who sadly passed away at the age of 21.

It was in December 2000 when Alexander was diagnosed.
Michael, who is married to Carol Ann and dad to Matthew, 21, and Rachael, 25, said: “We first noticed something was wrong when he started dropping things all the time, especially in work. 

“He was a painter and sometimes dropped his brushes and paint pots.

“We had never heard of MND before.

“His symptoms got much worse very quickly and it became dangerous for him to work. 

“He had to retire due to his MND, during early 2001, and lost his battle a year later when he was 58.”

Michael, who worked with his dad before moving to BAE Systems in Glasgow, said that the late motor neurone disease (MND) patient and campaigner Gordon Aikman inspired him to share his dad’s story.

He added: “He was such young man and raised so much awareness of the disease. He inspired me to share my story and experience too.”

Craig Stockton, chief executive of of MND Scotland, said “I’d like to thank Michael for sharing his story with us and with the Telegraph. 

“Sharing personal experiences of MND and other neurological illnesses is a great way to raise awareness of how these conditions can affect people’s lives, and shows the strength and courage people have in the face of a devastating diagnosis.”

To find out more about how MND Scotland can help you, or how you can support the charity, visit www.mndscotland.org.uk or email info@mndscotland.org.uk