MORE than £65,000 has been raised to help a Bradford dad of three diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) to receive life-changing treatment in America.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Harminder Singh Panesar, 44, who lives in Bingley.

He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of MND, in July 2021 at the age of just 44.

He and his family have struggled to come to terms with the diagnosis and the fundraising page has already raised over £60,000.

Explaining Harminder's journey, his family said: "He’s proud, strong-minded and a strong-willed individual who wears his heart on his sleeve.

"He’s a loving dad, son and brother and always puts others before himself.

"He met his wife Bal as college sweethearts. They have been married for 20 years and have three beautiful girls aged 15, 13 and 7.

Harminder's symptoms started in 2019 with muscle twitching and cramps. Then in July 2021 he was diagnosed with the MND condition ALS.

His family said: "Since then we’ve seen a rapid decline in his capability to carry out simple day-to-day tasks.

"He’s lost strength and grip in both hands, and has difficulty walking unaided, eating and sleeping due to the constant pain and crippling cramps, deteriorating his quality of life.

"The onset of symptoms and not being able to work has also put a financial strain on providing for his family.

"Bal has been his rock, as well as working full time and looking after three children, she continues to be by his side."

With no treatment available in the UK, the family has sought treatment abroad with BodyScience, a clinic in Miami, Florida, which specialises in neurodegenerative diseases.

"It is imperative that he gets this help as soon as possible, as deterioration will prevent him from being able to travel abroad to get the treatment he desperately needs."

In just over a week after his sister, Gursharan Panesar-Bell, set up the GoFundMe page, it has raised £65,731.

She said: "What a huge response we've received in just a week of starting this journey.

"The first treatment has been booked in for June 13 for a total of three weeks.

"This initial treatment is by no means the end. This is why we are continuing to raise more funds to support the treatment for as long as is required."

Harminder, who is also known as Mindy, said: "I am so humbled by the love and kindness I've received, I wouldn't have been able to get through this without the support from everyone."

To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/life-changing-treatment-for-mnd-als