A man defying Motor Neurone Disease has raised more than £4,000 for vital research after supporters raced to back his appeal.

Former postman John Adams, 77, decided to start making Christmas gift tags in response to the government omitting an MND research campaign from its budget announcement.

Since launching the fundraiser on November 4, Mr Adams, from Droitwich, has raised £4,001, smashing his initial £300 target.

His daughter, Helen Millward, said: “He realises a cure for motor neurone disease will never be found in his lifetime, but his mission is to raise as much money as he can for research to ensure no families go through the hurt we have gone through.

“His family and friends have decided to support him with his campaign, therefore we are planning on organising a raffle and auction to raise money for his charity.”

Mr Adams worked as a postman for over 30 years and played football up until the age of 40, when he began coaching teams instead.

Four and a half years ago he was diagnosed with MND with the consultant at the time telling him he had a life expectancy of just 12 to 18 months.

“He was never going to accept this. Even though he is now unable to walk, he can only talk by using a speaking machine, he’s fed through a tube in his stomach and he has to use breathing aids, he never complains,” his daughter added.

“In fact every day he wakes up with a positive attitude and he has been inspirational with other MND warriors sending them support and keeping them positive.”

Recently, Mr Adams has spent two weeks in hospital with a serious infection, but this didn’t stop him persevering with his challenge.

Mrs Millward added: “The doctors were amazed that he was sat up in bed making gift tags. He refused to rest!

“He was cheeky enough to even get them to buy some tags and donate to his Just Giving page.”

To find out more about Mr Adams’ challenge visit the fundraiser page at https://justgiving.com/fundraising/John-adams44.