A young mum-of-two diagnosed with motor neurone disease has shared a poignant letter urging people to live their life to the full.
Jennifer Bell from Milngavie was handed just a few months to live after giving birth to her second daughter in March.
The 28-year-old has now spoke publicly about the “gut-wrenching” diagnosis, and the harsh, “unfair” reality of living with MND.
In an open letter that has since been shared more than 300 times, Jennifer told people to “not take life for granted because tomorrow is never guaranteed.”
She continues: “Since being diagnosed with a terminal illness your perception of things, people and places change.
“Your priorities are different and things that you once took for granted you no longer do.
“Day in day out whether it’s on social media or it’s in public, I hear people moaning and I think to myself I wish that’s all I had to worry about.
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“We are all human and have difficult times but here’s something for you to think about, not for you to feel bad, simply for you to realise that everyday is a gift and you should really count your blessings instead of moaning about what you don’t have.”
After giving birth to her first daughter, Georgia, aged 20, single mum Jennifer juggled childcare, university and studying – along with a part time job and a university placement.
She gave birth to her second baby, Kacey, but still went back to university – taking only two weeks off.
But just as she thought her life was about to “finally be easier” as she neared the end of her final year of studying, she was diagnosed with MND.
Her letter continues: “Being diagnosed with a terminal illness at any age is unfair but before 30 is gut wrenching.
“Knowing I never got the reward of being in a qualified nurse post after all the work hours with the NHS, whether it be placement or bank shifts, that is unfair.
“It’s unfair that 2 wee kids at age eight and one are going to lose their mum, it’s unfair that after school all the kids in Georgia’s class go home and she has to go to Marie curie sessions.
“Its unfair that I can’t read my kids a book or sing to them, it’s unfair that MND has been around for so many years yet there’s not one thing out there to help or cure it but there’s thousands and thousands been put into research.
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“It’s unfair that your told you have MND it’s just bad luck and we can’t help you.
“So before you moan today about how last night you had a crap sleep, or you can’t be bothered with work, or you have a sore throat, maybe think to yourself In the grand scheme of things is it really that important.”
Jennifer added how she “totally respects” that everyone has issues, but says she “can’t stand people moaning about the most trivial things”.
The brave mum then began issuing heartfelt advice to those in need.
She said: “You have one life, live it.
“If there’s something you don’t like, change it. If you’re not earning enough money, bite the bullet go and study and get a better job.
“If you’re not happy in a relationship, leave.
“It’s your life and I believe that the life you live is your choice not because of your upbringing not because of things happening, you’re responsible for your decisions and choices in life.
“Stop wishing for more than you have or you will never find happiness as it comes from within.
“If you have your health that should be enough to be grateful for.”
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Jennifer ended the post by saying: “Don’t take life for granted because tomorrow is never guaranteed.
“Life is short, live it properly.
“After spending 28 years of not being content the only thing now that keeps me content is the love of my family and my two beautiful daughters.
“If I had lived the last 28 years not taking things for granted I would of done it the right way...so do it right people, you only have one chance.
“So here’s to finding a cure for MND, appreciating your nurses and the NHS and not taking life for granted.”
Jennifer told the Evening Times how she is hosting a charity fundraising night in aid of MND Scotland.
The event is taking place at Ellangowan Social Club in Milngavie from 7pm on Friday, November 29.
Alternatively if you cannot attend, you can donate to MND Scotland here.
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