17 June 2022 News
Dr Peter Scott-Morgan, diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2017, joined the MND Association Board of Trustees in 2018. He was a co-founder of the Next Generation Think Tank and his vision was to change how people with a disability can live their lives.
From the very start Peter refused to be beaten and turned science fiction into reality. He was constantly pushing the boundaries of science and medicine, harnessing the very latest technology to enable him to live his extraordinary life to its fullest. His vision was to become the world’s first cyborg and he aimed to embrace technology to allow him to thrive whilst living with MND. He underwent operations and procedures using modern technologies to gain greater control over his bodily functions, and used cutting-edge AI to enhance his communication.
In 2020 he was the subject of a Channel 4 documentary, Peter: The Human Cyborg which explored how he used technology and medical interventions to help him overcome the challenges presented by MND. He also created the Scott-Morgan Foundation alongside his husband, Francis.
Speaking during his time as a trustee, Peter said:
“We’re now well into the 21st Century. This is the age of hi-tech and there are huge benefits in us exploring just how people living with MND can benefit from all the billions being spent by the gaming industry on virtual reality, the automotive industry on driverless cars, the computing industry on expressive voice synthesisers and so on. It’s all potentially life-changing for those of us with MND.
“I draw immense strength and comfort from my exceptionally deep faith in three things – science, because if anything can improve my life with MND, it can. Humanity, because despite our supreme stupidity at times, together we’ll work things out – for MND and lots of other things too and love, because when all else fails unconditional love is one of the greatest forces in the universe.”
The Association’s Chief Executive Sally Light said:
“Everyone at the MND Association is deeply sorry to hear this awful news. Peter was, and always will be a hero of mine. He was a true pioneer, who refused to accept the status quo and always believed in the strength of love and the human spirit. We will always be grateful to him for his support.”
Our thoughts are with Peter’s husband, Francis, their family and friends.