MND is a cruel illness... but we're determined to lead a normal life

When students Andy Vaughton and Susie Tate met at medical school more than 20 years ago, they learned all about fatal diseases.

- BY KAREN ROCKETT

So when consultant anaesthetist Andy was unexpectedly diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2021 at the age of 42, the couple, now married with three sons, knew exactly what challenges they were facing.

“When we were studying at Guys and St Thomas’, MND was always the one disease you thought of as the worst - the one you definitely didn’t want to get above all others” Susie, 46, says. “Andy was so active. He did rugby, golf, water sports and was so into his career — he was devastated.

“He had to stop working straight away because anaesthetics is such a hands-on skill. You are doing spinal injections and having to keep airways clear. You need a steady hand”

‘Andy had been experiencing tremors and weakness in his hands before his diagnosis.

“He always jokes he knew something was up when he lost an arm wrestle” says Susie.

Salvation

But it wasn't only Andy, 47, who ended up having to give up a successful career in medicine. Realising her husband would need her to take care of him at their Dorset home, Susie decided last year to quit her job as a GP and practice partner.

Luckily her writing hobby has proved to be the family’s salvation, and the successful author is publishing her 13th book, Outlier, this month. The themes that underpin Susie’s books are often inspired by her experiences as an NHS doctor for 20 years.

Susie worked in a range of hospital specialities before becoming a GP, during which time she looked after a women's refuge for victims of domestic violence as well as being child safeguarding lead for her practice. Her medical career gives her a unique insight and understanding of the social, psychological and physical issues some of her characters face, lending authenticity to her writing.

And, while it’s less secure than her previous role, it means she is able to support Andy and earn enough to pay for treatments.