Bradford family's shock as mum deals with MND symptoms

It is two years since Beata Struzik hit her knee whilst playing tennis on holiday.

Soon after, Beata started limping in her left leg - marking the start of a gradual decline in her health.

She has developed a limp in both her legs and can only communicate by typing on her phone.

Her children Klaudia, 22, and Adam, 12, are now trying to find a way to care for their mother and cope with the unimaginable scenario.

Beata Struzik, pictured with her children Klaudia and Adam (Image: Family handout)

“We went to the doctors and nobody knew what was wrong,” said Klaudia, who lives in Lidget Green.

“It just kept getting worse and worse. At some point it went from being her left leg to being both of them. They still had no idea what was going on.

“Before we found out my mum was in Poland, she was visiting her family for a little while. I had to go back to Poland to get her. I had to resign from my work as I have to be the one taking care of her right now. She needs constant help with everything.

Beata Struzik, pictured when she was in good health (Image: Family handout)

“In Poland they ran the test but here we’re still waiting for confirmation. They’re saying it’s 99 per cent this but they don’t have the official confirmation yet.”

Beata, who is originally from Katowice in Poland, now relies on her daughter for the most basic of tasks.

Klaudia was forced to resign from her job and become a full time carer.

Despite getting help from the MND Association, the worsening situation has left the family facing financial struggles.

Beata Struzik, pictured with her family when she was in good health (Image: Family handout)

Klaudia has since launched a GoFundMe page to raise donations towards bills, rent and home improvements to boost Beata’s quality of life. 

Whether it’s an electric powered wheelchair or stairlift, Klaudia hopes to give her mum a sense of independence and dignity. 

“Even a year ago it was just her left leg,” said Klaudia. 

“She didn’t have any balance but she could talk normally and walk. Now a year after she can’t walk at all. She can only walk with her walker. She can’t talk. She can’t really do anything on her own anymore.

Young Klaudia with her mum Beata Struzik (Image: Family handout)

“The only job I could do is remote work so I can work from home but there isn’t really a lot of options. I’ve been waking her up, helping her out of bed, making her food. 

“It’s difficult mostly because my mum used to be able to do all these things herself, she’s the type of person who likes doing these things. She would always be busy. It’s hard for her because she can’t physically do any of these things and it’s hard for me to watch. 

Beata Struzik pictured with her son Adam when he was younger (Image: Family handout)

“Anything helps. We do get help from the MND Association. For my mum her main issue is paying the bills. Especially with the prices of everything it keeps getting higher and higher. 

“It’s really cold. Because she can’t move a lot she’s always cold, her feet and legs are always cold. 

“The main focus now is having a even a little bit of help to pay the bills so she can feel more peace. 

“She wants a mattress made especially for someone who has lost a lot of weight. The bed is not wide enough, she’s unable to turn.”

How to donate to family's appeal

In an emotional appeal for donations, Klaudia said: “We’re really struggling to pay all the bills and get the food. When we have the funds to pay the bills we can focus on spending time with our family instead of worrying about ‘how will I pay the rent?’. I could spend that time with her, we don’t know how much time she has left. 

“It would give us some peace of mind to know the fund is there. Dealing with all of this is stressful enough. It doesn’t have to be a lot. I’m not saying we need all £20,000, even a little bit that would help us enjoy our life a little bit more. Nobody in our family is really enjoying anything.”

To donate to the cause, visit the GoFundMe page at https://bit.ly/46AHF1Y