The couple and their young son Matteo are moving back to the city to be nearer family and support networks.
They were married in Dunedin last year. Earlier this year Mr Guidi was diagnosed with the most aggressive form of motor neurone disease — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
The disorder causes the death of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and results in muscular atrophy.
Mr Guidi, the former chief winemaker at Heron’s Flight in Matakana, will have difficulty speaking, swallowing and eventually breathing, and has been given two years to live.
The couple have left their Warkworth home and are taking an overseas holiday before shifting permanently to Dunedin.Mrs Leese Guidi’s mother, Carolyn Leese, of Port Chalmers, said she was working hard to set up a new home in Roslyn for them.
"I’m trying to get the house all unpacked so that it’s ready to go when they get back," Mrs Leese said.
Mrs Leese Guidi and son Matteo were expected to arrive in Dunedin on December 4, and Mr Guidi and a friend would arrive a few days later, after driving the family car down from Warkworth, she said.
Mrs Leese said it would be great to have them all in Dunedin where she could offer support, without having to travel to Auckland.
"We’re all looking forward to it.
"I’m going to be able to help them a lot, and there’s going to be a lovely network of friends — some of them have already kicked in and helped set up the house."
