George Best’s sister Barbara has cruelly been diagnosed with a life-shortening illness, just six years after learning she has Parkinson’s Disease.
The charity campaigner, who has worked tirelessly to keep the memory of her soccer legend brother alive, revealed she has been diagnosed with the “very rare neurological condition” Multiple System Atrophy.
Doctors told Barbara and her husband Norman McNarry MSA is life-shortening and “this is as good as it gets”.
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When the cruel news was broken, the couple were advised to go on holiday “while you can” – as Barbara admitted it “changed our lives beyond measure”.
Barbara said of the MSA diagnosis: “Six years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a dreadful, incurable neurological condition.
“In March this year, I had two CAT scans at the Department for Nuclear Medicine at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
“I was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy. It’s a very rare neurological condition for which there is also no cure. When the neurologist broke the news, I was a bit like an ostrich.
“He said, ‘I’m afraid this is as good as it gets’. Holiday as much you can, while you can and unlike Parkinson’s, MSA is life-shortening’.
“His words left us reeling but as long as I have breath in my body, come hell or high water, I’m going to fight.”
Norman added: “There is a very specific nature of the illness because MSA is a rare condition of the nervous system. Doctors say it can cause gradual damage to nerve cells in the brain.
“We are very mindful of that. But we are also equally determined to maximise our time, as each day is special. Barbara has the admiration of everyone who knows her – not just for the strength that she is showing now, but also for the amazing resilience of the past six years.
“She has received so many loving words of encouragement from her own supporters and also touching expressions of respect from George’s fans.
“They recognise all that she has done in his name since 2005, nearly 20 years ago. I am by her side. We are together and we will fight this as a team.”
Belfast-born Manchester United icon George died of multiple organ failure, aged just 59, in a London hospital on November 25, 2005, following years of alcohol abuse.
He is widely considered one of the greatest players ever to grace the game. Best won two League Championships and scored in extra time to help the club to the European Cup with United against Benfica.
He was also awarded the European Player of the Year award in 1968 aged just 22. Barbara and Norman set up the George Best Foundation and worked tirelessly for the charity until ill health led to its closure in 2014.
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