'As long as Barry can see pals at the pub, he'll be OK ra

Dad's devastating MND diagnosis

- PAIGE OLDFIELD

WHEN Barry Smith first started experiencing strange movements in his neck, doctors thought he had a painful chronic condition.

The 65-year-old, from Droylsden, noticed his neck had dropped and his chin was resting against his chest.

Medics believed the dad-of-three was showing signs of neck dystonia, also called cervical dystonia, a condition where muscles in the neck tighten or spasm uncontrollably.

The former maintenance engineer spent years receiving injections for the rare condition until more strange symptoms came to light.

His loved ones became concerned when they noticed he was losing weight, had little muscle strength and his walking pattern had changed.

Assuming his neck dystonia was worsening, Barry returned to hospital in March 2024, where he was hit with some life-changing news - he has motor neurone disease.

MND is a condition that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord that control movement.