David Peace 1947-2021

David Peace had an interesting and stimulating life. In his blog 'Peace of MiND' (www.deardavid.co.uk), he says he had moved "from working-class home to world-class universities, and onward to Africa, the Gulf, senior executive positions in global industries and more, operating in many sectors – charities, oil & gas, foreign armed services, defence, security, civil engineering, career support, law, voluntary organisations and others. Adventures, dangers, triumphs, disasters, huge lifetime friendships, lots of fun, and a current and future illness." 

That illness was Motor Neurone Disease. David identified some problems in early 2019; they were diagnosed as MND in July 2019; and this was confirmed in October of that year.  In December 2020 when this fund was set up, he had virtually lost his power of speech, he couldn't eat, and drinking was almost impossible.  Following an operation in November 2020, he fed himself with liquid nutrition through a feeding tube direct into the stomach: that continued for the rest of his life.  He began to use technology to reproduce in sound what he typed.  He stayed as active as the illness would allow and could walk unaided around Hyde Park near where he lived until March 2021. The illness was advancing and he was a realist, accepting that it was unlikely that a solution would be found in his lifetime; but he as resolute and his spirits remained high. 

David thanks his friend Professor Tony Watts for suggesting and for then setting up this Fund in his name.  MND must be stopped.  He was hugely grateful for contributions and he stressed that it is up to donors to decide whether to identify themselves or not: for him it was the monies raised in this great cause that would give him the greatest pleasure.  He was hugely grateful to all those who donated and continue to donate.