A brave dad who was left paralysed due to a "cruel" disease died surrounded by his loved ones.
Justin Hammond was diagnosed with motor neurone disease 18 months ago. The 50-year-old was an incredibly fit and active man, but the disease meant Justin had to use a wheelchair and was paralysed from his neck down.
The "brilliant" and "upbeat" dad died on Tuesday, January 17 at home surrounded by his family. The 50-year-old worked as a sales director at Princes in the Liver Building, and was cared for at home in Sale by his family, including his parents, his two daughters Rosie, 20, and Tilly, 14, and a series of carers.
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Daughter Tilly previously described how "amazing" her dad was and how he always remained positive.
She said: “Growing up, he was always the loudest person in the room, which could be embarrassing, but now he is losing his speech which is really tough. We want to do what we can to support him for as long as we can. He’s a great dad.”
Last month, a group of his colleagues and members of his family walked 35 miles from the Liver Building, where Princes is headquartered, to Justin’s home in Sale. Over the last few weeks, they have helped to raise more than £47,000 for the MND Association.
Alastair Roberts, a sales director for Princes who worked closely with Justin and was a great friend paid tribute to him, he said: “Justin fought what is a cruel disease with dignity and remarkable courage.
“Losing him is difficult news to process, but I take real comfort in the fact that Justin knew how highly he was regarded by the business, by his colleagues and customers, and by his family and friends. What started out as a simple charity walk back in December has, in some small way, become Justin’s legacy.
“An incredible amount of money has been raised in his name for the MND Association and it will make a real difference in the fight against this disease."
Adam Norcott, a fellow Princes sales director, said: “Over the past 18 months, Justin has been an inspiration. He remained positive and upbeat, retained his brilliant sense of humour and was always more concerned about other people than himself.
"It has been a privilege to be his colleague and friend and an honour to be part of the team that has raised money and awareness to help find a cure for this awful disease. We will all miss him.”
Richard Shackelford, regional fundraiser for the MND Association, said: “The Motor Neurone Disease Association is very grateful to Justin’s friends, family and colleagues who have given generously both of their time, by organising and walking the 35-mile route, and in the form of donations to the fundraising in his name.
“With this magnificent support from Princes’ staff, families and friends we will be able to take another step on the road to our goal, a world free from MND.”
The MND Association is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland focused on MND care, research and campaigning.
Please follow the link to donate to A Walk for Justin via Just Giving here.
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