JUST five months after he coached Australia’s track sprinters at the Rio Olympics, Gary West is now unable to speak as he fights the crippling effects of Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The 56-year-old long-time coach of Anna Meares is also finding simple things such as using a knife and fork difficult after being diagnosed with the disease in August.

But it has not and will not stop him from finding a voice for thousands of other MND victims or weaken his determination to help find a cure.

On Friday night West will be joined by supporters including cycling greats such as Meares, Jens Voigt, Stuart O’Grady and Shane Kelly for the MND Track Classic at the Adelaide SuperDrome.

The Australian and international cycling community is rallying around West’s call to arms to join the fight and will raise vital funds and awareness for research and support.

“In the early weeks I was embarrassed and felt humiliated to the point where I couldn’t even say the words Motor Neurone Disease or MND,” West told The Advertiser this week.

“But with the support of family and friends I came to the realisation that in some way I had a responsibility to be more vocal.

“I have had a very fortunate life, cycling and sport in general has opened many doors for me, so I’ve decided to use these networks and connections to team up with some amazing people to try to bring attention to MND.”

West communicates via email and text and is trialling a new program called NeuroSwith.

“I am finding that relatively simple tasks are becoming more challenging,” he said.

“My ability to communicate is compromised now, to the level where I can’t speak or be understood and I am losing my fine motor skills in my hands while my arms have lost significant strength.

“Tying my shoe laces and using a knife and fork is difficult now.

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“I am relying more and more on technology to speak for me and have been trialling this program, NeuroSwith, which is ... designed to assist patients who are losing or lost the ability to communicate.

“Fortunately, MND does not effect cognitive abilities and to date my legs are still strong so I am able to walk.

“An aspect of the disease that is difficult to accept is that every day I wake up and I am not better, in fact, I am slowly deteriorating and there is little to be done to stop the progression. This can mess with your head.”

With the help of Cycling Australia, Meares, her manager Francine Pinnuck, Dr Ian Davis and Neale Daniher from the Cure for MND Foundation, West has launched the “Cycling Cares” program .

It aims to raise awareness and funds for MND research and to help MND SA, which is a support network in Adelaide.

He described the support from the cycling and wider sporting community since news of his diagnosis as “amazing”.

“I have been completely humbled by the support and generosity afforded me and the MND cause,” West said.

“The messages and offer of assistance from family, friends and even rival international coaches, opposition athletes.

“At times it’s been overwhelming and it has confirmed my view that sport can and does cross all barriers. Since my diagnosis I have seen lots of good in people.”

Australia’s top track sprinters and endurance riders will line up in the MND Track Classic alongside the former greats who are coming out of retirement.

Racing starts at 7pm and $15 tickets are available at the door with proceeds going towards MND SA.

West said the most important thing people can do to help is start the discussion about MND.

“Raise awareness and awareness can generate fundraising which can fuel research and ultimately a cure,” he said.

“Spread the word, become vocal and eventually we will find a cure and stop this insidious disease before it strikes your brother, husband and son.”

His message to others living with MND or those who have been affected by it is a simple one.

“Believe in hope,” West said.

“If appropriate, I would encourage all MND victims, their families and friends to become more vocal and rally behind people with terminal diseases regardless of what (the) disease is and never take a single day for granted.

“Life is too short not to live it to the full.”

reece.homfray@news.com.au