Bertie Brookman (June 1986 – April 2010)
Think 23 events in 12 months is a challenge? Bertie spent his entire life living with Muscular Dystrophy (Type 2I limb-girdle) – a challenge far greater than any of the events we are doing.
As Bertie grew older, life became increasingly difficult as average day-to-day tasks become more challenging. It got to the point where he struggled to lift a drink, but that didn’t stop the pure determination and loving, kind, considerate attitude Bertie approached life with. Nothing stopped him from doing the things he wanted to do. Bertie was always the centre of attention with a big smile on his face, always listened to his friends when they had problems and was in fact one of the nicest individuals we have ever known.
Despite having MD, Bertie had a positive outlook on life – had a passion in Japanese cars and always managed to out-drink everyone with Jagerbombs on a night out!
In April 2010, Bertie passed away in hospital after he caught Pneumonia. Throughout is time there, he kept his smile and remained positive. He went peacefully, with no pain. His unique and kind personality will always live on. It just shows how popular he was, from the 400+ Facebook comments visible on his wall, from friends and family. That isn’t including the hundreds of letters his parents have received.
The Charity
The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign (www.muscular-dystrophy.org) provides free practical and emotional support, funds world-class research to find effective treatments and cures, campaigns to raise awareness and bring about change and awards grants towards the cost of specialist equipment, such as powered wheelchairs.
With this campaign amongst many others, we hope that in the short term future this disease can be cured.
