Fundraiser to help youngest person to be diagnosed with Motor Neurone in Bedford modify his bungalow
An appeal to help a man modify his Bedford bungalow has already topped an impressive £10k.
Jozsef Forrest was first diagnosed with Motor Neurone (MND) in September 2024 – and aged only 24 at the time, was told he was the youngest person to have the disease in Bedford.
However, over the last 16 months, he has slowly started to lose confidence in walking and the strength in his hands. The life-limiting condition has already caused a significant decline in his mobility and independence.
And now he needs to make modifications to his bungalow. But, because he and his girlfriend work full-time – with Jozsef determined to work for as long as he can – they need to fund the adaptations themselves.
Step in one of Jozsef’s colleagues at Network Rail – Nadia Carrea.
Nadia said: “The bungalow requires extensive adaptations to make it safe and fully accessible for Jozsef, whose mobility and strength are progressively declining. We would need to widen internal doorways to allow wheelchair access throughout the property.
"The existing bathroom would need to be completely remodelled into a fully accessible wet room, including level-access shower ring, non-slip flooring, specialist drainage and reinforced walls to grab rails and seating. A ceiling mounted hoist system would need to be installed to assist with safe transfers.
"Ramps and level access would be required at all external entrances to allow wheelchair access along with potential adjustments to the thresholds and pathways. Additional work may include adapting kitchen units to wheelchair height, as well as plug sockets and light switches.”
She added: “Jozsef is living with Motor Neurone Disease, but he refuses to let it define him. He is determined to carry on working for as long as he can – not only to keep his sharp, brilliant mind fully engaged, but to future-proof the life of his long-term partner. Every day, he chooses purpose, dignity, and strength in the face of MND.”
She says the couple have been quoted around £18,000 for all the modifications needed for his bungalow.