McFadden thanks people for good wishes and support

Fine Gael TD for Longford/Westmeath, Nicky McFadden said on Tuesday that she would continue to serve her constituents, despite recently being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease."I've never surrendered in the face of any challenge, and I'm not going to surrender to this either. I have the full support of my Party and will have the practical help of my good friends and staff to assist me in continuing my work as a Dáil Deputy."Deputy McFadden's diagnosis was confirmed at the end of last week."About eight months ago, I noticed having to slow down my speech in order to avoid slurring my words. Last Thursday, Prof. Orla Hardiman diagnosed Motor Neurone Disease."I was shocked and distressed when I was told but after a couple of days it was clear to me that this was something to be fought, and I'm a fighter. Other than a slowing of my speech, at the moment I have no other symptoms and so I'm determined to maintain my workload as energetically as I have up until now."When I became symptomatic, I initially thought it was something to do with my vocal cords. But each medical test proved negative and it was a very frustrating time. The possibility of Motor Neurone Disease only emerged in the last fortnight. While 75% of people with Motor Neurone Disease first present with muscle weakness in the arms and legs, the onset of my condition is subtle, and has only affected my speech so far. I feel absolutely fine, and I completed a 10-mile walk for the ICA just three weeks ago."An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, has expressed admiration for the courage with which Deputy McFadden has addressed her illness saying, 'we have no doubt that Nicky will continue her work with her customary conviction and energy'.