Father-of-two with motor neurone disease who appeared on DIY SOS and who broke a world record for electric wheelchair racing after his diagnosis dies aged 47
- Jason Liversidge, 47, was diagnosed with MND in 2013 at the age of 37
- READ MORE: Adrenaline junkie father with Motor Neurone Disease reveals joy at breaking wheelchair speed record as he hopes ‘science will find a cure’
A man with motor neurone disease who won hearts around the nation after his house was transformed on DIY SOS: The Big Build and who became a world record holder for fastest electric wheelchair racer has died at the age of 47.
Father-of-two Jason Liversidge, who had been living with the degenerative condition for 10 years, scaled Mount Snowdon following his diagnosis and became known as a daredevil for his love of adrenaline-inducing endeavours.
Among them was a Guinness World Record which he achieved in 2020 after he became the fastest person in a custom-built wheelchair.
Jason, from Rise in East Yorkshire, hit almost 67mph during the record attempt (beating the previous record of 62mph) using his head controlled chair.
In recent years, he also scaled Mount Snowdon in a wheelchair, and abseiled off the Humber Bridge in Hull. In 2015 Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team transformed his house into an accessible family home on The Big Build.
Jason (pictured with his wife Liz and children) was diagnosed with MND disease in 2013, when he was in his thirties
Jason (pictured) died on August 5. The news of his death was shared by by his wife Liz (pictured) on a touching post on Facebook
News of his death was posted on Facebook earlier this month by his wife Liz, who wrote: ‘Jason Liversidge died peacefully at home surrounded by his girls at 22.59 on the 5th August 2023. Thank you for being the best husband and father that we could ask for.’
In her touching post, she also wrote: ‘You will be forever young and remain alive always in our hearts and minds. We love you! Fly free my love.’
The condition left Jason 95 per cent paralysed, and unable to speak, however following his 2020 record breaking achievement, he expressed how he felt via email.
Jason wrote: ‘I’ve always had a passion for speed. I can no longer drive a car or ride a motorbike; however, I can drive an electric wheelchair.’
His bold words reflected the brave attitude he was known for among his friends and family, as well as people further afield.
RECORD BREAKER: Jason is pictured in 2020, where he took home the world record after exceeding the previous record of 62mph (he hit almost 67mph)
Speaking at the time Jason achieved his first world record, MP Graham Stuart said: ‘I think my constituent Jason Liversidge is probably the most courageous and inspirational person I know.
‘He is living with MND, which you’d think would be enough to stop him in his tracks, but this terrible disease does not stop Jason from doing incredible things: the latest of which is to be crowned the Guinness World Records holder for driving the fastest wheelchair in the world. Unbelievable. What an achievement.’
Among the tributes that poured in for Jason following Liz’s announcement of his death, on Facebook user wrote: ‘What an absolute fighter and an absolute hero. So sad but he’s achieved amazing things in his life and his legacy inspires others. Thinking of you all and sending love.’
Another added: ‘Jason and your family did so much to raise the profile and awareness around this devastating disease.’
A third added: ‘Sending so much love. Jason was a true warrior and inspiration. Until we find a cure there will be no finish line. RIP.’
Many shared their admiration for Jason, and the accomplishments he’d made despite his condition.
Jason (pictured) has been described as an ‘inspiration’ by many people, thanks to his list of incredible achievements
One said: ‘He was an amazing man who loved his family and did so many incredible things for raising awareness for MND.’
In a similar vein, another wrote: ‘Thoughts are with you all, Jason was a true legend and inspiration to many.’
There is currently no cure for MND and the disease is fatal, however, it 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.
Jason and Liz had both expressed their hope that science will find a cure for the condition.
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