'Cruel and devastating' - Celebrated Lancashire hairdresser diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease
A celebrated and well-known Lancashire hairdresser who has raised thousands of pounds to support local charities has sadly been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
David Thomas, 65, is best known for previously operating a chain of salons in Preston town centre, Leyland, Wrightington and Lytham. His Preston city centre salon operated for more than 33 years before David and his team moved to their current home on Liverpool Road in Penwortham.
He also had a long association with the Lancashire Post during the 1980s and early 90s, when he featured regularly in Womanpost and played an integral part in the LEP Days Of Decadence events.
But, David and his family’s lives were ‘turned upside down’ in December, when he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
According to the MND Association, MND attacks motor neurones - the nerves found in the brain and spinal cord that help tell your muscles what to do.
The motor neurones gradually stop reaching the muscles, leading them to weaken, stiffen and waste, which can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. The disease affects everyone differently but it can often move fast and there is currently no cure.
David’s son, Matthew Thomas, told the LEP: “On 15th December, our lives were turned upside down when my dad, David Thomas, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Like many families, this diagnosis came as a huge shock.
“It’s a cruel and devastating illness and one we sadly knew very little about until it affected our own family.”
Originally from Preston, David has long been at the heart of the business and hairdressing community after opening salons across the North West, boasting 40 years of experience, twice being named a finalist in the British Hairdressing Awards and delivering seminars for GHD around the world.
Matthew continued: “He is a fantastic, bubbly character loved by everyone who meets him. He’s always been life and soul of the party.”
He described how his dad has always given back to people in need. raising thousands of pounds for beloved Mawdesley charity Rainbow Hub (formally Rainbow House) and helping them to create a sensory room for children with disabilities.
David was also inspired after meeting a client’s son, Charlie Kay, who has a rare neurodevelopmental disorder called Phelan-Mcdermid Syndrome (PMS).
He decided to continue his money raising activities for Charlie and research of the disease through hosting black tie charity balls. All of the money raised went towards vital research and support for people with PMS.
Matthew will be running the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on May 10, raising money for the MND Association. “After getting the news about Dad, I thought it’s only right to do something positive and to give back to him for once,” he explained.
“Every pound raised helps fund vital research, care, and support. Hopefully bringing us closer to better treatments and, one day, a cure for future MND patients.”
So far, Matthew’s GoFundMe page has raised more than £10,000, with a target of £11,000. You can donate here.
Visit MND Association for advice or support here.