Brentwood MND charity founder on King’s Birthday Honours list

A Brentwood charity founder who was diagnosed with a life-changing disease has been awarded in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Alex Gibson, 45, from Brentwood, founded Challenging Motor Neurone Disease (MND) just a year after his 2018 diagnosis in a bid to provide financial support and organise meaningful activities for people with the condition.

MND affects the brain and nervous system, limiting speech and movement.

Alex was given a British Empire Medal for services to charity and his efforts continue this Sunday (June 25) with a cycle fundraiser in Brentwood, in which he plans to compete.

“It was an honour and a privilege to been given the award,” Alex said. “It was fantastic and it was for everyone who has had to deal with MND.

“I have to thank the dedication and support of my team who have been invaluable,” he added.

RELATED NEWS: Havering set to celebrate Armed Forces Day 2023 in Romford

Alex’s charity has raised more than £1.1 million and directly supported more than 100 families.

The former accountant and fitness instructor did not want to give up sport when he was diagnosed with MND aged 39 in 2018, which inspired him to found the charity.

Alex, who trained at Thorndon Country Park in Brentwood, said he has devoted all of his time and energy into work at Challenging MND.

“It is a massive distraction for me to spend all my time doing this,” he said. “I just want to help people as much as I can so people with MND can get the help they need.”

Alex has two children, Max and Elysia, aged 11 and 9 respectively.   

Max attends Brentwood County High School, where Alex developed his love of sport, a passion that he hopes to share with his family as part of his legacy.

Alex said setting up Challenging MND had been vital to the healing process.

“It was incredibly hard work – and still is – but moving to the final stages of the grief cycle, shock, denial, anger, grief, depression and acceptance, was truly key to moving forward,” he said.