THE son of a man who died after suffering with motor neurone disease (MND) is using his experience to help other families.

Paul Bullock, from Astley, lost his dad John in 2012 who died at the age of 74 after being diagnosed with MND.

Engineer Paul , 44, wants to spread awareness of the disease so he can provide support to others who are facing the same situation that his family have.

He said: “My dad was only diagnosed with MND three weeks before he died and it is difficult to spot the signs.

“MND is a brutal, horrific and devastating disease and there is a perception that it is a rare condition.

“But when people open up and talk about it, there seems to be more cases than the statistics would indicate.”

Paul joined the committee of the Volunteers South Lancashire Branch for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) last year.

One key focus of the branch is the Red Flag Campaign, which has been rolled out so early signs of the disease can be spotted and a diagnosis can be made.

Paul has also helped to organise film screenings which has given families the chance to gain support.

A film night was held recently at Birchwood Park in Warrington, near to where he works.

A screening of documentary MND and 22 Year Old Me and romantic drama Me Before You, a film which shows the bond between a woman and a recently-paralysed man, was shown on the night.

Buildings at the site were also lit up in blue and orange, the colours for the MNDA.

Paul added: “It was the second film event and we had around 45 people who went.

“We had people speaking to us about their own family members who said they had nowhere else to turn so it was worthwhile holding the evening for that reason alone.

“It is about helping other people in challenging times which I know what it is like to go through.”

For more information about the MNDA branch visit mndasouthlancs.com.

To find out about the MND Red Flag Campaign go to bit.ly/2ucBFw3.