For many years Tim Beech was one of the main voices of sport across the West Midlands. He covered hundreds of games for both Beacon Radio and as Sports Editor for BBC Radio WM - but this Saturday (February 4 th ) Tim’s “Match of the Day” will be all about the contest with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The condition affects the brain and nerves of people which eventually destroys their ability to walk, breathe, speak and swallow. More than half of all people with the disease die within two years or less and there is no cure.

Tim’s brother Neil developed the disease around four years ago and, although his mobility and speech are vastly impaired, he has fared better than many.

This Saturday Tim will be broadcasting his 101.8 WCR FM show live from the Mander
Community Hub between 10am and 1pm to celebrate the Wolverhampton Literature
Festival. He’ll also be trying to raise desperately needed funds for the Motor Neurone
Disease Association, a charity which pays for research and support for those with the
condition.

Tim says: “The harsh truth is that there’s no cure for MND because it’s received far too
little funding and is expensive to research. The impact is horrific – MND patients are fully functioning people trapped inside a failing body. You can imagine the emotional
and physical challenges for loved ones is devastating.”

“I’ll be including an interview with Chris James from the MND Association and he’ll explain how vital it is that more funds are raised if lives are to be saved.”

Like many others Tim has participated in a “Dry January” in the hope of raising
sponsorship – and says he’s been overwhelmed by the generosity of family and friends.
“It hasn’t been too hard to have a “Dry January” and I’m sure it’s also been a good de-
tox. I’ve tried alcohol-free beer for the first time and, whilst that hasn’t been too bad, I
can’t say I’m a big fan of the alcohol-free wine!”

Tim is aiming to raise even more through his Justgiving page
https://giveitup.mndassociation.org/fundraising/tims-motor-neurone-fundraiser and is also hoping people can spare whatever they might be able to give on Saturday.

“Every penny will help and take us one step closer to finding a cure for this cruel
disease – and that will mean fewer personal tragedies for people and families right across the world. My deepest thanks to everyone for their support.”

You can hear Tim on101.8 WCR FM, online at wcrfm.com or via Smartspeaker (“Play
WCR FM”)