An emotional BBC Breakfast interview saw professional golfer Tara Carrick open up about the devastating loss of her mother to motor neurone disease (MND).
A Family's Heartbreaking Journey
Appearing on the Saturday morning programme, Carrick described the rapid progression of the illness after her mother's diagnosis. Her mum lost her ability to speak within just three weeks, leading Tara and her father to become full-time carers for 13 months until her passing in August this year.
Fighting back tears, Carrick recalled her mother's incredible spirit, noting she was still bowling just two weeks before she died. "You think there's hope one day, and then the next day just this came over," she said, calling the experience "the most horrendous thing."
Supporting Sinfield's Epic Fundraising Feat
The golfer's appearance was to show support for rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield's monumental challenge of seven ultramarathons in seven consecutive days. The effort, which began on December 1 and concludes in Leeds on December 7, honours Sinfield's late friend and teammate Rob Burrow, who also battled MND.
Carrick revealed her family had received crucial support from the My Name's Doddie Foundation, a charity set up in memory of rugby star Doddie Weir. This foundation, alongside MND Scotland, is a key beneficiary of Sinfield's fundraising run.
"The foundation has rallied around us as a family and just given us the most immense support," Tara explained. "Just to see Kevin and everything he's doing for us as a family, gives us a reason to keep going."
A Message of Solidarity for Others
Carrick had a direct message for others facing a similar diagnosis, urging them to know they are not alone. Her segment was followed by an interview with Katie Syme, who lost her own mother to MND over a year ago.
Syme echoed the sentiment of shared understanding, stating, "We all know, understand how difficult it is for each other. I think until you see it firsthand, you really don't understand how difficult it is to watch someone go through it."
The programme, presented by Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt, highlighted the brutal reality of MND while showcasing the community rallying behind Sinfield's extraordinary physical endeavour to raise vital funds and awareness.
