Sick sailor waits for baby

Benjamin with wife Malia. Photo / Supplied

Benjamin Revell was told he may not live long enough to see Christmas but he is fighting to see his first baby, due next month.

He was a fit young man serving his country in the New Zealand Navy when he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

The 27-year-old sailor has launched a campaign to raise funds and awareness of the debilitating condition.

"I just recently got married to my amazing wife Malia and am soon to be a dad to our wee girl Luisa Rose who is due next month," he writes from his tablet computer, which allows him to communicate.

"My first reaction on being diagnosed with MND was this is my worst nightmare come true.

"But if you keep positive, amazing things can happen and a lot of amazing people and things have come from it," he says.

Revell was diagnosed with MND early last year when he failed his first fitness test since joining the navy in 2004.

He was working as an electronic warfare specialist in Wellington but has since returned to Auckland so he can be closer to his family.

Revell has set up a Facebook page to raise awareness. The Navy has helped raise $23,500 so far through an auction, which included signed jerseys from All Blacks, the England cricket team and the Breakers basketballers. The appeal also had the opportunity to spend a day training with the Blues.

To donate to the MND Association go to www.mnda.org.nz or to donate to the Revell family donate to Westpac a/c 031 5140408067 000.