Andrew Marshall is an inspiration to all people and is raising funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) South Africa.
Marshall suffers from Friedreich’s ataxia, which is a rare form of the neurological degenerative muscular disease and he’s been in a wheelchair for approximately 15 years.
At 16 years old, when he was diagnosed, Marshall was given the prognosis that he would only live for another four short years. He is now 34 years old.
At this stage, he is an incomplete quadriplegic and now needs help with almost everything but has never lost his sense of humour and sense of adventure. He lives in Kensington B with his mother and stepfather.
For the past six years, he has laboriously been writing a book, which is now almost complete. Before Marshall’s diagnosis, he assisted the MDF with its computers and when the need arose for him to use a motorised wheelchair, MDF donated one with a gel cushion. He now has a chance to repay the MDF by raising funds in the daring task of tandem skydiving on 20 August.
“I am so incredibly excited! I’m going to be raising funds for the MDF by skydiving and I would be truly grateful if you would take a look at the sponsor pledge form and make a donation, no matter how small, to this most worthy cause,” he asked.
Because of his severe restrictions, he is more determined than ever to live life to the fullest. He has canoed in the ocean, river-rafted and has done a canopy-top tour. Marshall has even done motivational speaking in Australia.
His advice for others and his mantra is, “Laughter is the best medicine”, and his go-to lifeline lesson is, “I used to complain about my shoes until I met a man with no feet.”
Details: Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, mdfgauteng@mdsa.org.za or 011 472 9824.
