Nigel Brasier lives with a rare form of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), but that doesn’t stop ‘The Brave’ from competing on the World Disability Billiards and Snooker (WDBS) tour.
An avid snooker fan from a young age, idolising the enigmatic Alex Higgins, Nigel has never been far from a cue and table. With a six-foot table at home, Nigel started playing at the age of eight.
Following a series of tests over numerous years, Nigel’s life was turned upside down on 20 May 2013. That was the day he was diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), a rare form of MND.
“MND affects the nerves and weakens the muscles all over the body,” Nigel explained to Fen Regis Trophies. “Eventually, you become locked in your own body and are unable to move.
“Expected lifespan is between two and five years…I have the slower version with a normal lifespan, but I don’t know what capacity I will have over time.”
Snooker and MND
Snooker is a game of fine margins, where even the slightest deviation is so often the difference between winning and losing. So, competing with a degenerative condition presents a whole new range of challenges for Nigel.
“I wear ankle foot orthotics, and I have a walking stick to help me walk,” said Nigel. “My balance is not great and playing snooker is hard, but I adapt.
“Snooker helps me to cope and focus which is a kind of therapy, as well as loving the game.
“I count myself lucky that I can still play and walk around the table. Life is a precious thing.”
A gifted player around the table, Nigel has won trophies aplenty over the years. The most special one, though, he says is the Spalding League Handicap Singles in the 2013/14 season, shortly after receiving his diagnosis.
“That trophy is the most special to me,” he admitted. “To win was a very emotional moment for myself and my family.”
Fundraising for the MND Association
Away from the snooker table, Nigel has thrown himself into fundraising for the MND Association, a charity dedicated to supporting those affected by the condition. This year marks Nigel’s 10th year of fundraising for the charity.
Over that time, Nigel has raised more than £25,000 in funds for the charity and he isn’t stopping there. Every year, Nigel holds a charity snooker tournament to raise money for the MND Association at Spalding Constitutional Club, which this year takes place on Saturday 12 October.
He said: “I will continue to raise funds and awareness while I can. I am celebrating my 10th year fundraising with my snooker tournament.”
“I am also trying to get awareness into the NHS,” Nigel added. “We did a talk at our local Pilgrim Hospital in Boston which was very successful. I’m hoping that will lead to more knowledge of the disease across the Trust.”
Without a doubt, ‘The Brave’ will continue to live up to his name by continuing to compete on the WDBS for as long as he can, while raising awareness and funds for the MND Association.
You can donate to Nigel’s fundraiser through his JustGiving page here, where all funds will be donated to The Lincolnshire MND Group.
By Aaron Gratton
