THE family of a Carmyle “superwoman” who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) before Christmas has called for greater public awareness of the symptoms of the disease.

Sandra Craig, 67, found out she had the condition earlier this month when she was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for tests.

She received the life changing news on December 4 after several months of investigations.

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Sandra’s family has called for better public knowledge of the symptoms of MND so that others are able spot them sooner.

Daughter Nicola Craig, 37, originally thought her mum was suffering from symptoms of Covid-19.

She said: “Straight away we thought she had Covid. She was starting to sound hoarse and she had a funny taste in her mouth. Then she started experiencing dizziness so she went to get it checked out.”

Sandra had a test for Covid which came back negative. Doctors initially diagnosed her with thyroid problems as she was struggling to swallow and was choking on food.

Nicola said: “We just felt useless throughout the whole thing because we didn’t know what was wrong with her. We just feel shocked and quite numb.

“You see adverts for all of these other things like Sepsis but they don’t ever tell you anything about MND. Most people probably don’t even know what it is.”

Glasgow Times:

The family believe that Sandra is one of five others who have been diagnosed with MND in Carmyle in the last few years.

They believe that by raising awareness of their mum’s symptoms, it will inspire others to get signs checked in order to diagnose MND earlier.

Sandra’s children are now raising money to pay for stem-cell treatment in Mexico which they believe will slow the progression of the illness.

Nicola added: “The fact that there is a pandemic and people are still donating is amazing. People don’t realise how grateful we are.”

Launched just two days ago, they have raised £7000 out of their £20k target. Local businesses have pledged their support for raffle prizes including a hairdresser who has offered to come and cut her mum’s hair every week for free and beauticians who are offering prestigious treatments.

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Sandra has dedicated her entire life to caring for others as a carer. Having lost her son Brian twenty-one years ago at age 19, her relatives have said she is the rock that they all cling to. The family said:”Mum is our superwoman who is always there when we are sick, sore, when we want to vent or simply just when we need her. “

Readers wishing to donate to Sandra’s fundraiser can visit here.