Who is Peter Scott-Morgan and why does he want to become a cyborg?
PETER Scott-Morgan is a world famous roboticist, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2017.
But who is Scott-Morgan, and why does he want to become a cyborg?
Who is Peter Scott-Morgan?
Dr Peter Scott-Morgan is a world famous roboticist.
He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2017, the same disease that killed Stephen Hawking.
He was given two years to live.
Scott-Morgan, based in Torquay, Devon, has already "re-plumbed" his stomach with a feeding tube, a colostomy for his bowels and a catheter for his bladder to avoid needing a carer to eat and go to the bathroom.
In 2019, Peter underwent a laryngectomy, a complex operation to separate his oesophagus and trachea in order to reduce the risk of fatal pneumonia.
The operation meant he would never be able to speak again.
However, before having the operation, Peter recorded tens of thousands of words and sentences which, using his eyes, he can trigger via a computer screen.
He also underwent laser eye surgery in order to optimise his sight at 70cm - the distance from his face to his computer screen.
Why does he want to become a cyborg?
When Peter was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, he saw it as an "unrepeatable opportunity to conduct breakthrough research".
He wants his cyborg journey to "help everybody with Extreme Disability, even when caused simply by ‘old age’".
Peter aims to improve life prospects for those with terminal disease.
He writes: "We are within touching distance of changing everything. I'm not dying - I'm transforming.
"This is a terminal disease like you've never seen it before. And as far as I'm concerned, bring it on.
"MND hasn't even begun to bring me to my knees. And even long after I'm locked in, I will still be standing tall."
A programme documenting his progress, Peter: The Human Cyborg, is airing on Channel 4 on August 26.
LATEST HEALTH NEWS
What is motor neurone disease?
Motor neurone disease is a rare disorder that affects voluntary muscles in the body.
Some types of MND can shorten a patient's life expectancy, while most worsen over time.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
There is currently no approved treatments for the majority of motor neurone disorders.
Signs and symptoms include movement-related and breathing problems, and the disease can affect both children and adults.