A FORMER athletics champion is facing paralysis after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Tom Wilkinson, aged 70, of Midford Drive, Sharples, won a bronze medal in the 3,000m at the Holland International under-21s Athletics Competition in 1960.

But after returning from a cruise last December, Mr Wilkinson began to lose feeling in his left leg.

Now, six month later, he needs a Zimmer frame to walk.

The dad-of-two used to be a member of Blackburn Harriers and ran 100 miles a week, practising long jump and javelin each day as part of his rigorous training.

He said: “I nearly fell through the chair when I was diagnosed — I was so shocked.

“I like watching athletics and football now because I enjoy watching other people being active.

“I only wish I could do some of it myself, but I can’t.” Mr Wilkinson, who owns an engineer management system company, was also crowned as the Blackburn Harriers long jump and javelin champion in 1962.

Although his health is deteriorating, he is happy that he has support from his family, including 63-year-old wife, Joy.

His youngest son, David Wilkinson, aged 37, will do the Three Peaks challenge in August, and hopes to raise £1,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

David, who lives next door to his parents, will attempt to climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours to raise money for research into the disease, which currently has no cure.

He said: “It’s a complete shock to see dad deteriorate the way he has.

He went from needing one stick to relying on a Zimmer frame very quickly.

“I read that the life expectancy for MND sufferers is one to five years.”

David said he feels helpless, especially as his dad was so active.

He is already suffering from symptoms such as slurred speech, he cannot lift his left leg and his toes are starting to collapse.

Anyone who wants to donate to MNDA can do so at justgiving.co.uk.