My sister Brigitte and I had never heard of Motor Neurone Disease until our godmother Aunty Pip was diagnosed with it.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive disease that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. Messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting. MND is often rapid and always fatal. There is no known cure.

As the disease progresses, the person will lose their ability to walk, talk and feed themselves, although their intellect usually remains unaffected. They eventually lose the ability to breathe unaided. The average life expectancy is just 14 months from diagnosis.

 

Watching Aunty Pip rapidly deteriorate was the most frustrating thing - to have to just sit by as a family and wait, knowing that there was no cure and that there was nothing anyone could do but support her, her husband and five children as best as we could.

 

We believe that there is a cure for MND and we want to help support MND Scotland's commitment to play a key role in the history of ending MND by funding and promoting research.

 

There are currently 368 people living in Scotland with motor neurone disease, and MND Scotland estimate that more than 130 people will be diagnosed this year. Everyone with motor neurone disease in Scotland receives direct care from MND Scotland's team of Care Specialists and through the loan of specialist equipment such as electronic communication aids for people who can no longer speak. MND Scotland also ensure that their information and support services can be accessed after diagnosis and throughout the progression of the disease. Their services will cost more than £1,000,000 this year, which means they have to raise almost £20,000 every week.

 

Your support will make a big difference. Every pound helps. Thank you!

Brigitte and Gretchen (and our very tired legs)

 

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