THE founder of a Halesowen estate agents is raising money a Motor Neurone Disease charity after being diagnosed with the fatal condition.

John King, the founder of Bloore and King Estate Agents, Hagley Street, has installed a swear box in the office and the directors have donated £1,000 to MND.

Mr King's family are hoping to raise £1 million through the swear boxes and want other officers to "start swearing to raise money."

He said: "I, unfortunately was diagnosed with this horrible disease last May, and thankfully I am still here, but MND is taking its toll and my body is breaking down.

"My wife Elaine and I have launched this fund raising event, to firstly, increase awareness of this horrible disease, and hopefully to raise funds to advance research into finding the cause, and eventually find a cure."

The 75-year-old added: "There needs to be a greater understanding for those who are suffering in the area with MND.

"There are only about 59 people are living with MND in the whole of the West Midlands at any one time, it is such a killer.

"There is not cure, there is nothing that can be done to help sufferers as it is a death sentence."

He added: "It is a fatal life shortening disease, that effects the nerve pathways, that sends messages to your muscles, life expectancy can be exceedingly short, but over 50 per cent die within 18 months."

Currently, collection boxes are in Bloore & Kings offices, and at Kyri’s Barbers, also in Hagley Road.

For more information visit www.justgiving.com/Elaine-King7.