Tributes have been paid to a “loving, caring” Stirling woman who died just two months after being diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
Wanda Sharp, of Torbrex, passed away at home on Wednesday, August 17, aged 76.
Now her shattered family want to raise awareness of the rare condition – which affects the brain and nerves – and raise cash towards further research.
MND causes weakness that gets worse over time and there’s currently no cure for the condition.
Wanda suffered a number of falls in recent years, but it wasn’t until June this year that she received the diagnosis.
She is survived by husband Robin, 76, sons Chris and Jonnie, daughter-in-law Fiona and Lily and grandchildren – Owen, Aaron, Stephanie and Mollie.
Her funeral was held at Stirling Crematorium last Friday, where friends and relatives were urged to make a donation to MND Scotland in a bid to try and advance research into the condition and raise more awareness.
Son Chris said her family was overwhelmed by the generosity shown.
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He said: “Before passing, she requested that instead of flowers at her funeral could we ask for donations to go towards MND Scotland.
“A couple of days before her funeral, I set up a JustGiving page in memory of mum and between online donation plus the cash donations made at her funeral mum has raised £1,509 for MND Scotland.”
Wanda insisted her spinal cord and brain stem were donated to scientific research to try and better understand the condition.
Detailing his mum’s health battle, Chris added: “The diagnosis itself was a big shock for us.
“She had a fall about 18 months before where she broke her pelvis and looking back now that might have been the start of her symptoms.”
Chris added: “Mum wanted to support MND charities in whichever way she could following her diagnosis as that’s the type of loving, caring person mum was. We miss her dearly.
“The family would just like to say a special thanks to family and friends for their love and kindness as well as the home carers, nurses, GP and other professionals following mum’s diagnosis and up until she passed.
“Mum was the type of person who always put others first. She loved her and dad’s regular holidays to Spain and she loved spending time with her four grandchildren.”
Wanda was originally from Freuchie, Fife. She met Robin when they both worked in Stratheden Hospital in Cupar. They moved to Causewayhead in 1971 and later moved out of the area before returning to live in Torbrex. The couple were happily married for 55 years.
Wanda retired around the age of 50 and later worked with Pearl Assurance in Stirling. She retired to then help with childcare for her grandchildren.
Upon retiring, Wanda became a regular and popular figure at Braehead Golf Club, Tullibody.
Early symptoms of MND can include: weakness in your ankle or leg; slurred speech, which may develop into difficulty swallowing some foods; a weak grip; muscle cramps and twitches; weight loss; and difficulty stopping yourself from crying or laughing in inappropriate situations.
The disease mainly affects people in their 60s and 70s, but can affect adults of all ages. It’s caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones. The condition causes cells to gradually stop working over time.
To make a donation in memory of Wanda, click here.
