成人快手

Former Rangers player Fernando Ricksen has written a letter describing how he's coping living with Motor Neurone Disease.

The 38 year old's speech has deteriorated since being diagnosed with the condition last October, so instead of doing an interview, he wrote to 5 live describing the huge impact MND has had on his life: "For me, the hardest part is losing control of things".

Biographer Vincent de Vries spoke to 5 live about how his friend is coping: "His voice is very bad, he can't communicate any more, it's very hard for him."

This clip is from Breakfast 29 August 2014.

Full transcript of the letter: "It was last October that I got diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The impact this had on everybody that knows me was unbelievable. Living with MND has, of course, made a huge impact on the life of my family, my close friends, and myself. They see me fight and struggle every day with this illness, and try to help where they can.

As for myself, there was a period of denial, followed by me not accepting life with MND, which only made things only worse. At the moment I've found a rhythm which works for me. I do special exercises, watch what I eat and drink (no alcohol!), rest in between days and take my medicine, this works well for me.

I think that the 'ice bucket challenge' is amazing. The method of challenging friends, family and colleagues by putting a bucket of ice water over yourself and then dare them to do the same is simple, competitive and fun to do. It has achieved the goal of bringing awareness to Motor Neurone Disease worldwide.

When you go to Glasgow to play for Rangers you become part of a worldwide family - the Rangers Family. I'll always have place in their heart, even long after I left Glasgow. The club, fans, colleagues, and everybody that reached out with love and support was amazing, supporting me from all over the world. The support I've had from e-mails, donations for MND, charities, twitter and Facebook, even people on the street who come up to me, is fantastic. Thanks to everybody.

Motor neurone disease is a terrible illness, everybody knows this. For me the most difficult part is losing control of things. Help us where you can, and show understanding. Thanks, Fernando"

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