A mum is planning a fun day to raise awareness of a rare progressive illness for which there is no cure.

Stacey Spokes, of High Street, Sheerness, is supporting the mid-Kent branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), as her father Nigel Prettyjohns has the condition.

It affects one in 50,000 people and is a progressive disease that attacks nerves in the brain and spinal chord and then starts to shut down the muscles in the body.

Mr Prettyjohns, of Holmside Avenue, Halfway, was diagnosed in October.

The illness started in the 53-year-old’s right foot and has now progressed to both legs and he has to walk with supports and occasionally crutches.

Those with MND have a life expectancy of two to five years and the granddad-of-two had to bring his wedding forward on the advice of specialists as they were not sure how he would be when the ceremony was due to take place next month.

He married his wife Leanne just before Christmas.

Mr Prettyjohns is warehouse manager for Abbotts in Sittingbourne and they have adapted his job so that he is still able to work. He has been with the firm since he was 16.

Mrs Spokes, 29, says she wants to raise awareness of the condition and highlight the importance of raising funds to help give people living with it a better life.

The fun day will be held at Bonds Sports and Social Club, New Road, Sheerness, on Saturday, August 2.

There will be dance performances, hot dog and chilli eating competitions, face-painting, a tombola and games.

A race night will then take place during the evening and there will be a raffle.

The mum-of-two said: “It was a bit of a shock when dad was diagnosed and we struggled with it at first.

“But seeing how well he’s doing with it does make us all a bit stronger.

“We want to raise awareness because people don’t always know what Motor Neurone Disease is.”

Mrs Spokes is hoping businesses will donate raffle prizes and is appealing for Island dance groups who might like to perform to get in touch.

If you can help, email stacey_187@hotmail.com