Many people associate motor neurone disease with the plight of Diane Pretty, the euthanasia campaigner who wanted the right to die. Diagnosed with the disease two years ago, Elizabeth Drew former Highworth Citizen of the Year tells DEBBIE WAITE how determined she is to live her life to the full

Earlier this month, Elizabeth Drew attended the inauguration of Highworth Parish Church's new stained glass window.

An immensely proud moment, it was the culmination of a massive campaign, led by Elizabeth, to find a glass monument that would act as a fitting commemoration of Highworth's ancient community.

But it also held a special sense of poignancy for Elizabeth, who two years ago was diagnosed with the debilitating condition motor neurone disease.

A former art and design teacher at the Oratory School in Pangbourne, Dorset, Elizabeth came to Highworth with her husband 14 years ago.

Her husband died soon after, but Elizabeth was welcomed into the community and, after becoming involved in local events, was asked to chair the Highworth festival committee, a seat she occupied for four years.

Awarded Citizen of the Year in 2001 for her commitment to the town, Elizabeth has two grown-up children and was enjoying her retirement, indulging her passions of cooking and gardening, when her life changed dramatically two years ago.

She said: "I noticed that I was finding it difficult to speak some words but thought it was just a problem with my sinuses. But when I was referred to a neurologist he revealed that I had motor neurone disease and that the difficulty I was experiencing with my speech was down to the wasting of the muscle at the back of my tongue."

MND is a condition whereby electrical impulses from the brain fail to travel correctly to the body's muscles.

As a result, many victims' muscles become wasted and seize up, including the tongue, which can affect speech and even the ability to swallow.

Two years on from her diagnosis, Elizabeth now has difficulty in speaking and a speech therapist advises her on what foods to avoid, to prevent her from choking.

She also walks with a slight limp, and regularly sees a physiotherapist to keep her joints flexible.

But that is where the signs of her illness end. Elizabeth maintains a great sense of humour and smiles as she describes her condition as a "real nuisance".

Looking a decade younger than her 69 years, she drives to visit friends, gardens, cooks and plays an active role in the community.

A keen flower arranger, she has had a passion for wild flowers since she was a child, and can often be found preparing bouquets for brides or pottering about in her beautiful garden.

Asked about her long-term health prospects, Elizabeth refuses to be pessimistic. "It was a terrible shock finding out what I had," she said. "Before I was diagnosed I didn't know anything about motor neurone disease. But my friends and family have been great and I have continued to do as much as I can to keep a normal life.

"Every moment of life is precious to me and I want to enjoy it for as long as I can. And if Professor Stephen Hawking can do as well as he has after 25 years with the illness, I'm sure going to try my best to cope with it too!"

When the conversation drifts onto the recent case of fellow sufferer Diane Pretty who campaigned in vain before her death for the right to euthanasia, Elizabeth is pragmatic.

"I cannot say that I have given a great deal of thought to the subject of someone's right to die in the past, but since I have been diagnosed I have had more of an interest in it," she said.

"At this point in time I am well and happy and every day is precious to me. In fact, I intend to make as much of my time as possible and live life to the full.

"But as time passes maybe I'll change my mind about how I want to die, and if that happens it will be something I will discuss with my children."

Not one to dwell on sad subjects, Elizabeth then leans over and makes a joke with her friend Margaret, who is sitting by her side.

Author Margaret Tuckwell lives a mile or so along the Shrivenham Road from Elizabeth and the two have been great friends ever since they met 14 years ago at a village event.

Brought closer together by Elizabeth's illness, Margaret often helps to speak for her friend, especially at some of the events and meetings they attend together.

She said: "It was a terrible shock to find out that Elizabeth had MND. She's such a strong, funny woman and finds it so frustrating that her speech has been impaired, but she's so upbeat and such a great friend, it is an honour to be her mouthpiece when she needs me."

Elizabeth appreciates the support she gets from Margaret and jokes that the two of them compliment each other perfectly: "She helps me to make myself heard and makes me laugh and I enjoy her books and company we have a great time."

Although she is no longer the chairman of Highworth's festival committee, Elizabeth remains a valued part of the town and has left a legacy of her hard work in the shape of the church's new stained glass window, funded to the tune of £14,000 by the community.

For many in Highworth, the window is not just about the town, it is the perfect reminder of one very remarkable lady.