A father from Ashford has died just seven weeks after receiving a devastating diagnosis of motor neurone disease, leaving his family heartbroken.
A Rapid and Merciless Decline
Dave Chalmers, aged 55, passed away in the early hours of Sunday, 11 January 2026. His wife, Natalie, said the speed of his illness had shattered their lives. She described Dave as her "wingman" and stated the diagnosis felt profoundly unfair.
Natalie explained that Dave's health struggles began with persistent sinus infections, followed by a diagnosis of stage one prostate cancer in April 2025. By early summer, he experienced severe lethargy and muscle weakness, notably struggling to hold his head up.
"We went back and forth to the GP and A&E," Natalie said. "Dave had numerous CT scans and blood tests, but he just grew weaker and lost three stone."
The Shocking Diagnosis and Final Weeks
In October, a GP finally suggested a neurological cause. Following an emergency MRI scan, Dave was diagnosed with motor neurone disease on 24 November 2025. His initial prognosis was approximately 18 months.
"His deterioration was merciless and rapid," Natalie recounted. His breathing worsened significantly, though he retained his voice and some mobility until the end. He spent his final days in a hospice, passing away shortly after.
Dave is survived by Natalie, their children Amelia, 19, and Caleb, 16, and his siblings Denver and Debbie.
Remembering an Incredible Family Man
Natalie and the children paid tribute to Dave's unwavering character. "He was sarcastic and had a terrific sense of humour that he kept through this cruel disease," Natalie said. "Even on Saturday afternoon, he was laughing and making others smile."
She emphasised that Dave was a selfless provider who never sought recognition. "He just wanted to support us and was an incredible family man," she added.
Daughter Amelia shared a moving statement: "A motor neurone disease diagnosis promises no hope of recovery, only the certainty of loss. Despite this, my dad continued to be the father he always was - kind, loving and unwaveringly loyal."
His brother Denver expressed awe at Dave's fortitude, noting his positive spirit never faded, even while cheering on his beloved Ashford United football team.
Dave was born in Helensburgh, Scotland, in July 1970. He met Natalie in Folkestone in 1994 while working as a NAAFI manager at Napier Barracks. The couple married in July 2004, later settling in Ashford in 2006.
Motor neurone disease affects the nerves that control movement. There is currently no cure, and it is estimated that around 5,000 adults in the UK live with the condition.
