Heartfelt tributes paid to Sunderland dad who died hours after suspected Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis

Michael Wilson, who was described as a ‘caring’ father, died in hospital on Saturday, February 1 just hours after doctors told his son they believed the 53-year-old had suspected Motor Neurone Disease.

His son, Anthony Potter, said his dad first fell ill a year ago and began to struggle but wouldn’t go to the doctors over fear he would be told he had an incurable disease.

But on Saturday the 20-year-old rushed Michael into hospital after his condition worsened and received the devastating news that doctors believed his father had Motor Neurone Disease and sadly there was nothing they could do for him.

Messages of support have flooded in for Anthony and his family.

Almost £500 has been donated on a Go Fund Me page set up to help give Michael ‘the send of he deserves’ and support Anthony and Michael’s elderly mum Irene Wilson, who he cared for.

Anthony said: “He was a quiet bloke. He kept himself to himself but he was a really caring person.

“He didn’t really ask for much from anyone and he always tried to do everything himself.”

To donate to the Go Fund Me page click here.

Readers have left heartfelt messages of support:

Kayley Wilson-Fasa: “So sad R.I.P cuz. I’m sure your dad will be so proud of you Anthony.”

Barbara Green: “I saw my sister suffer with this illness, it’s heartbreaking. Thinking of you all.”

Jo Moore: “So heartbreaking, God bless his family! RIP Michael.”

Lynne Moulding: “R.I.P. Michael so sad love cousin Lynne and family. Be brave Anthony, he was a doting dad.”

Janice Emmet: “Such a heart breaking story a young lad losing his father so quick.”

Sandra MacDonald: “So sorry for your loss devastating. Terrible crippling disease, my mother died of it 27 years ago.”

Ann Porter: “So very sad, thoughts with his family.”

Ray Vickery: “I'm so sorry for your loss god bless you.”