A DIGGER driver whose close friend was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease hopes to raise funds to create lasting memories for him.

Philip Bourdon, 33, was diagnosed with the incurable debilitating disease last July.

Trusted friend Paul Meachen is now going to gruelling lengths in a bid to fund one last holiday for Mr Bourdon before he is too unwell to travel again.

The two friends worked together for a tunnelling company and it was here where Mr Bourdon realised something wasn’t quite right.

Mr Meachen, who lives in Colchester, said: “He kept losing grip on the shovel and couldn’t understand why. He thought perhaps it was carpal tunnel syndrome.

“Doctors ran a few tests and it was about July last year he was diagnosed.

“Phil’s mobility is poor now.

“I’m part of his support bubble and when I last went to see him he could barely get off the sofa and walk to the kitchen."

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He added: “It’s horrible; heartbreaking. Considering a year ago he was a normal person at work it’s happened so quickly.

“He was a great crack, we would have a laugh all the time and he was very cheeky.”

With Motor Neurone Disease, messages from the brain gradually stop reaching the muscles.

The muscles weaken and the disease ravages across mobility, speech, eating and breathing.

The Covid lockdown has added a further cruel blow isolating Mr Bourdon, who lives in Braintree, from the support of his family and friends.

Further strain is caused by their home being unsuitable for his changing needs as his wife, Steph, is a care home worker and is trying to continue to work a few hours a week to help earn some income while caring for her family.

They have a six-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter.

Mr Meachen’s fundraiser will see him run four miles every four hours for 48 hours from 8pm on March 5.

The 41-year-old added: “He wants to make some memories with his family, one last holiday.

"He has said he will do the final four miles with me on a mobility scooter. It will be emotional, but nice.”

You can support the fundraiser at bit.ly/3pNltfC.