Durban – Once a fit Sharks rugby player, Ryan Walker now struggles to manage the simplest daily tasks.
But in 2013, at the age of 35, Walker was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND/ALS), the same illness suffered by former Springbok scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen.
“The little tasks people do daily without thinking and take for granted are the ones that are so challenging and become near impossible without assistance. We are so incredibly lucky to have special family, friends and employees who are always there to offer a hand to get through each little challenge,” he said.
After retiring from rugby, Walker took to farming. However, MND has infiltrated “every single aspect of daily living”.
“I cannot walk in the fields, pick up my daughters or hug my wife. This is soul-destroying,” he said.
But he added: “It has made me appreciate every moment I get to be with my family and friends. It makes me realise how privileged I have been and I always know that there is someone worse off than me.”
There is no known cure, and medical aids do not cover day-to-day expenses of someone living with MND.
“The incredible generosity of many people enables us to cover a lot of the trials, medication and assistive devices that we might need in the future,” said Walker.
To help raise awareness about the disease, and funds to help the Walkers, his uncle, Lionel Howard, a passionate trail runner, and Alison Chadwick have organised a Run-4-Ryan event on Sunday, February 5, at Stainbank Nature Reserve, Yellowwood Park. Visit www.roag.co.za before February 2 to register online.
Walker grew up on a farm in Mooi River and excelled on the sports field, playing for Hilton XV and Natal Schools XV at scrumhalf. He played for the Blue Bulls U21 from 1997 to 1998 and Landsdowne Road Rugby Club, Ireland, where his team became the All Ireland under 20 championship winners. From 2000 to 2001 he was Natal Wildebeest vice-captain and for the next two years played for the Sharks in the Currie Cup and Super 12 competitions. In the 2003 and 2004 seasons he left the Sharks to join Leeds Tykes, representing the team in the UK Premiership and Heineken Cup.