A grandfather whose “thrill-seeking” lifestyle was halted by a terminal illness has written a book of children’s stories based on his lively youth.
John Smith, from Elgin, was a “super fit” pensioner when he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease a year ago.
The 73-year-old has now been forced to shelve his favourite hobbies – including weight-lifting, motorcycling, hiking, swimming, kayaking and yoga – as the degenerative disease takes its toll.
The former distillery worker has since spent more time reflecting on his youth, and recently decided to immortalise some of his “legendary” exploits in print.
Proceeds from the book, called The Robert Stories, will go towards the MND Scotland charity and ne ploughed into finding a cure.
Mr Smith explained that the book was a family effort, as his three daughters helped bring it to life by illustrating and designing it, and proof-reading the text.
He said: “I told the stories to the children and grandchildren when they were young, and it was my daughter Annabel who said I should write them down.
“The book tells of my childhood, where I would occasionally get into mischief with my brother Alan and our friend Robert.”
MND is a rapidly progressing illness which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles.
Mr Smith, who has been married to Patricia for 44 years, first began to notice its symptoms in 2016 when he lost strength in his arms.
He added: “I had an inkling what was coming; it was a bit of a blow, but I decided to face up to it.
“For my family, the most challenging thing has been for them to see me so incapacitated and slumped in a chair.”
His condition has now worsened to the point where Mr Smith struggles to carry out day-to-day tasks, and is unable to walk far.
However, he was recently offered a morale boost when his loved ones tracked down the childhood pal that his book is named after.
After more than 60 years apart, Mr Smith reunited with Robert at the end of last year.
He said: “This was something I hadn’t imagined happening, but he was thrilled to read the stories and couldn’t stop laughing.”
The Robert Stories is available from Patricia Smith at pat.paddockhaugh@btinternet.com
