TRIBUTES have been paid to Droitwich’s MND Warrior John Adams who has passed away after his long and brave battle with Motor Neurones Disease.
John had become famous all over the world for his fundraising for the Motor Neurone Disease Association charity which is trying to find a cure for the condition.
By the end of last year, John had raised more than £25,000 – bringing in donations for his campaign from across the globe.
Among his fundraisers were birthday, Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Easter events where he would be sent cards and donations.
And he completed seven miles in seven days on the scooter he was famous for riding around Droitwich, collecting donations as he went.
His sterling efforts earned him a place in the final in the ‘Outstanding Commitment’ category of the prestigious GoCardless JustGiving Awards.
He was also given the honour of officially opening the Wychbold Village Fete for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The 79-year-old was diagnosed six years ago when he was told his life expectancy was 12 to 18 months at best.
But, undeterred and determined, he battled all the way despite the challenges thrown at him.
During his brave battle, he lost his mobility and the use of his hands and needed to be fed with a tube in his stomach, needing a catheter and a voice machine – but each time he lost the ability to do something, he would keep smiling and always focus on what he could do rather than what he could not.
‘Brave and smiling to the end’
His daughter Helen Millward said: “It all happened very quickly but he remained smiling to the end.
“Since his passing there have already been more than 2million interactions on X (formerly Twitter) and he has had messages on there, and on his Facebook page, from all over the world – Australia, New Zealand, Africa, America and other places.
“It is hard to imagine that a small man from Droitwich can make such an impact.
“From the moment he was diagnosed, he told us he would never stop fighting and he never did.
“We are all so proud of him.”
Helen said after she contracted breast cancer last year, her dad supported her all the way – always being there for her and looking after her.
“I got the all clear two weeks ago.
“It was almost as if he was waiting for me to get better and be alright and then he knew it was time to go.”
John made Christmas tags in aid of MND. Picture by Marcus Mingins 4621001MMR Copyright Bullivant MediaHeartfelt tributes
John’s social media pages have been flooded with tributes, including one from West Bromwich Albion for the passionate Baggies fan.
The club said: “John was an inspiring man and was steadfast in his work raising awareness of MND.
“He will be missed by his friends and family, as well as those who he touched on social media with his humour and love.
“The club sends its condolences to his family at this sad time.”
Radio presenter and Tom Ross from The Goal Zone wrote: “So sorry to hear this saddest of news- your dad was truly inspirational.
“Thoughts with you and your family RIP John.”
Donations in John’s memory can be given on his fundraising page here.
