A "LOVING, gentle man" was given the devastating news that he has an incurable disease - just weeks before he is due to become a grandfather this month.

Former civil servant Kevin Gordon, 56, of Glastonbury, was diagnosed on July 2 with the life-shortening motor neurone disease, which affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle wastage.

His wife Rebecca, who has worked for the NHS her whole career, said: "Kevin was just like you or I, healthy, happy, never smoked or drank.

"He took care of himself as well as us, his family.

"A year ago he met one of his heroes, Francis Rossi from Status Quo. Today I have to dress, shave, shower, wash and feed him and he struggles to walk.

Bridgwater Mercury:

FLASHBACK: Kevin meets his hero Francis Rossi.

"Despite having lost virtually all use of his arms, hands and upper body, he remains a clever, kind and loving, gentle man who worries so much about what he feels he’s putting his family through."

Rebecca is determined to care for Kevin at home, but needs to adapt their garage to accommodate an electric wheelchair, hoist and wet room, with an adjoining bedroom downstairs.

The couple do not qualify for funding, so need to find the money to cover the cost of the conversion work.

Rebecca added: "I am determined to care for Kevin in our own home and not move him to a house bought just for him to pass away in, maybe far from the friends and family who are our support network.

"This house is our home, where we raised our precious children and where we have made so many happy memories."

Bridgwater Mercury:

LOVING COUPLE: Kevin and Rebecca.

Their son and daughter and Rebecca's parents help out as much as possible and a cousin, Glen Wells, will carry out the building work for free.

Rebecca said an online fundraising page has been set up, adding: "We have used all of our savings to allow me to care for Kevin, as well as paying for a range of adaptations within the house already.

"We have auctioned much loved personal collections and valuables, but we still need to raise £20,000 to care for Kevin properly.

"This is a cruel disease for all involved, but with your help we will make the best of every day together.

"With your help we can at least maintain his smile by saying he can stay at home, where he can go out in his wheelchair and come home to a safe place knowing that we are together, as we have been for 32 years."

DONATE: You can contribute towards the garage conversion costs here.