Coronation Street’s Paul Foreman diagnosed with motor neurone disease in heartbreaking storyline

Coronation Street’s Paul Foreman diagnosed with fatal motor neurone disease in heartbreaking storyline as character’s exit is confirmed

Coronation Street’s Paul Foreman is set to be diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in upcoming heartbreaking scenes. 

The character, played by Peter Ash, has been suffering with health issues with his hand in recent weeks after accidentally being knocked over by a drugged Carla Connor.

And while he was signed off with work with what was believed to be muscle and nerve damage, it turns out that Paul’s condition is far worse, with the builder set to be given the fatal diagnosis.

In Thursday’s installment of the ITV soap, Paul visits a specialist about his injuries after suffering with balance, mobility and dexterity issues, with Coronation Street later revealing that the character will be told in early April that he likely has MND – with the condition being confirmed later that month.

With the life shortening illness established, it means that Paul will eventually leave the soap as he loses his fight with the fatal condition.

Devastating: Coronation Street’s Paul Foreman is set to be diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in upcoming heartbreaking scenes

The NHS describes motor neurone disease as: ‘An uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves. It causes weakness that gets worse over time.’

The weakness is caused by the deterioration of motor neurons, upper motor neurons that travel from the brain down the spinal cord, and lower motor neurons that spread out to the face, throat and limbs.

There is no cure for MND and the disease is fatal, however the disease progresses at different speeds in patients.

People with MND are expected to live two to five years after the symptoms first manifest, although 10 per cent of sufferers live at least 10 years.

Coronation Street is working closely with the MND Association on the hard-hitting storyline which will explore the challenges faced by Paul in the coming weeks and months, and how it affects his friends and family.

Speaking of Paul’s diagnosis, actor Peter Ash, 38, stated: ‘Paul is completely blindsided by the diagnosis and he decides to keep it from his family and friends as he tries to come to terms with the news. 

‘I knew very little about MND before embarking on the storyline and I am hugely grateful to the MND Association for all their help and support. For any actor playing a role which examines a real life issue or condition there comes a huge sense of responsibility and we are aware that some people watching this storyline are experiencing it in reality, it is their life.’

Shock: While he was signed off with work with what was believed to be muscle and nerve damage, it turns out that Paul's condition is far worse, with the builder set to be given the fatal diagnosis

Shock: While he was signed off with work with what was believed to be muscle and nerve damage, it turns out that Paul’s condition is far worse, with the builder set to be given the fatal diagnosis

He continued: ‘Awareness and education are really important. I have learned so much even in the short time I have been involved in this storyline. We hope Paul’s journey can make people more aware of the symptoms and what it is like for someone to live with MND.’

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