08 December 2023 , 12:27
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Ben Shephard has made a touching gesture to a Deal Or No Deal contestant who broke down during an appearance on Good Morning Britain.
Brad Wale appeared on the Stephen Mulhern-fronted gameshow earlier this week and opened up on his heartbreaking Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis – a rare life-limiting condition also suffered by the late professor Stephen Hawking, which affects the brain and nerves. Brad's story struck a chord with viewers, particularly after he walked away from the ITV gameshow with just £5 in his pocket.
Struggling through tears, Brad told GMB's Ed Balls and Susanna Reid that a fellow contestant has since set up an online fundraiser for him, which has already raised a staggering £110,000 – more than the show's jackpot. Brad, who revealed he has a bucket list of things he wants to do in his life, joked: "I've got one thing on my list, I've always wanted a Ben Shephard blanket."
Brad Wale broke down in tears during his appearance on Good Morning Britain (ITV)Continuing, he laughed: "I'm obsessed with Ben Shephard, I'm going to be honest. My partner hates when I talk about Ben Shephard. I think he's like a bit jealous to be honest, but I'm his biggest fan!"
Susanna quipped: "You don't need to spend any money on that, we've got a cupboard full of them. We will send one to you straight away." And Ben later took to Instagram later to share a clip from the show in which he informed him: "One coming your way Brad!!," in a heartwarming gesture.
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Describing his ordeal, meanwhile, Brad admitted: "It's been a really long progress getting the diagnosis. It wasn't until very recently. It sounds silly, but when I was told that for the first time it was almost a relief. I get cramping in my hands, cramping in my feet. I'm not able to walk much at all anymore.
"I've been having speech therapy, and that's got a bit better. But I'm really tired, that still goes. I just have to have lots of adaptations and stuff these days to kind of do life. But I'm a big believer in positivity and I think as long as I stay positive, I can fight it all the way."
And asked by Susanna what he'd like to spend the donations on, Brad explained that he'd like to embark on the trip of a lifetime to India or Thailand. "It's basically going to see places really, and I've always wanted to do a bungee jump," Brad said. "I've always been skint and I feel honoured, blessed and guilty all at the same time - like I don't like taking money off anyone. To be given this kindness to me is something I'd never, ever expect."
Writing on Brad's GoFundMe, it's kind-hearted founder Rochelle Hughes said: "'I’m sure you all saw Brad's devastating game on Deal or No Deal. His DOND family really want him to fulfil his dreams and we have set this up on the hope that anyone could maybe spare a couple of pounds and get Brad to tick some bits off his Bucket List. We love you Brad."