I’ve lost so much but I endeavour to live life to the full
When most people reach retirement, they look forward to the next chapter in their lives – more time to spend doing the things they always dreamt of doing, but never had the time whilst working.
Retirement can provide an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, the chance to take up a new hobby, or go off travelling.
These were the hopes of serving officer, Steve Knight just before his retirement in February 2017. He joined West Midlands Police back in 1987 and signed up to the Benevolent Fund soon after, never doubting for a minute the good work the Ben Fund did for its members.
Upon his retirement, Steve wisely carried on with his membership with the fund. He felt fortunate that during his 30-years police service, he never actually found himself in a position where he needed to ask for assistance.
His £1 per month subscription would no doubt contribute to the charity’s ongoing work in supporting its members and he was glad to play his small part and give his continued support.
However, life was about to drastically change for Steve, his wife Sam and his growing family and so too were all his retirement plans.
In December 2023, 58-year-old Steve was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, a debilitating and progressive
disease with sadly no cure.
“I’ve lost so much since my diagnosis, the ability to walk any distance, cycle, play golf, dress myself and wrestle with my grandsons, to mention just a few of the things that I miss,” explains Steve.
“But I still have so much to enjoy and I endeavour to live life to the full as best as I can.”
Due to the progressive nature of Steve’s illness, it quickly became apparent that their home was no longer equipped to meet his changing needs. The local authority agreed to assist with half of the cost for adaptions to be made in the home, but the remaining cost would have to be met by Steve and his family.
With his MND illness developing at pace, the couple’s savings were being quickly absorbed by the unforeseen circumstances they were thrown into and the expense that came with it.
“We were made aware of Steve’s terminal illness and following a swift visit to the member’s home, a grant application was submitted,” explained charity Chairman, John Williams.
“Our Board of Trustees and Operations Committee unanimously agreed that the West Midlands Police Benevolent Fund would cover the remaining cost in full of the building adaption work so desperately needed at Steve and Sam’s home. This meant the family could free up their finances to put towards other
things for themselves,” added John.
The grant enabled their driveway to be resurfaced and the installation of assistance ramps and rails to the front and rear of their home. The Benevolent Fund also paid for an internal lift system to be installed so that Steve can continue to go upstairs independently.
“Having served for 30 years I know all about the camaraderie with my fellow officers”, explained Steve.
“I never considered the Benevolent Fund would feel such a continual part of the police team spirit but it does. Words cannot express my thanks for the support given. And I just want to thank all the members the staff, Chair, and committee members for the support and work they do.
“I have a wonderful family and friends who are all such a support to me. And the Police family is part of that support.
Thank you again.”
Steve’s daughter, Rebekah successfully completed the 2025 TCS London Marathon two-weeks ago in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). She completed the 26-mile course in an impressive four hours, 26-minutes.
After completing the epic distance, Rebekah said it was the hardest thing she has ever done in her life, but knowing the vital help the MNDA Charity offers to people, like her dad, it helped her reach the finish line, along with the encouragement of her family.
So far, Rebekah has raised over £10,300 through her Just Giving page.
This is Rebekah’s story with the link to her Just Giving page. All donations, however small help so much.
Rebekah’s story
This April, I’ll be running the London Marathon in support of the Motor Neurone Disease
Association (MNDA), a cause incredibly close to my heart. In December 2023, my dad was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease—a condition, that currently, has no cure.
The MNDA has regional sections, and my dad is part of the Black Country group and has requested that half of the money raised gets allocated to them.
The MNDA provides vital support to families like mine, funds groundbreaking research, and raises awareness to fight this disease. The money raised could go towards…
- Buy a text-to-speech device to give someone with MND the ability to continue to communicate with their loved ones
- A laptop and advanced software to allow an experienced MND researcher to analyse complex data
- The installation and 6 months stairlift rental to give someone with MND greater independence
- Provide a child affected by MND with professional counselling sessions
Running 26.2 miles is no small feat (especially considering I haven’t run further than 12km before this), but it’s nothing compared to the challenges faced by those living with MND every day.
Your donation, big or small, will make a meaningful difference. Thank you for your generosity and support—it truely means the world to me and my family xx
Link to donation page HERE
Rebekah would like to thank everyone for their kind donations.
