Resident living with MND defies prognosis and publishes book

A CAMBERLEY care home resident has raised vital funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association following the launch of his new book which he wrote over three years aided by cutting edge technology.

The book of 21 poems, entitled Reflections of a Life Well Lived, provides a heart-warming and moving memoir of Robert Murphy’s life journey and subsequent Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis in January 2018.

His story covers his early days on the Kings Road in Chelsea, defying his doctors’ 18-month prognosis following his diagnosis, consequently allowing him to see his daughter Sarah get married, twice overcome Covid-19 and welcome his grandson into the world.

Robert wrote the book using eye gaze technology, a specialist and lifechanging piece of equipment which converts minute movements of the eye into spoken words and allows him to communicate with others.

To celebrate the official launch of his book, the team at Signature at Camberley, where Robert has been a resident since early 2019, hosted a celebratory event to mark his big achievement.

Girly Braga, general manager at

Signature at Camberley, said: “It was an absolute privilege to host such a wonderful event and help in making Rob’s dream of publishing his book of poems a reality. He is truly an incredible person who continues to inspire us every single day.”

The launch party was attended by members of Robert’s family, friends and representatives from the West Surrey MNDA branch who came along to congratulate Robert on his inspirational accomplishment.

Throughout the afternoon guests enjoyed a selection of speeches, a congratulatory video message from chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Motor Neurone Disease, Andrew Lewer MP OBE, and book readings from Sheila Easey and Brenda Hill, friends of Robert at Signature at Camberley.

The emotional day concluded with a book stamp signing by Robert and final reflections from the inspirational man himself.