Herefordshire branch appeals for motor neurone help (From Hereford Times)

Herefordshire branch appeals for motor neurone help

9:41am Friday 3rd July 2009 in

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FOR 20 years a small group of people have been giving help and support to victims of motor neurone disease in Herefordshire.

They raise money to pay for their activities and also send cash to the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) for research into the cause and treatment of the disease.

At any time, there are about six people in Herefordshire coping with MND, for which there is no cure at the moment.

The Herefordshire branch of MNDA was started 20 years ago to help sufferers, their carers, partners, relatives and friends or anyone in some way touched by the disease.

MND is the name given to a group of related diseases affecting the motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord. The neurones are cells that control muscles and their degeneration leads to weakness and muscle wasting.

Herefordshire branch chairman Paul Hilder says many people are still unaware of the disease. His branch wants to raise the profile and to try to encourage more people to join.

“The Herefordshire branch has members from all walks of life intent on helping to make life easier for local sufferers,” he said.

“All are volunteers so we are always delighted to hear from people who would like to join us and to lend us valuable support.”

Mr Hilder said a major symposium on MND will be held in Birmingham this year, when 750 researchers from 30 countries will meet to discuss the latest important research.

Anyone willing to help or needing assistance can call Paul Hilder on 01432 760473, Frances Whall on 01989 730644 or the regional care development adviser on 08453 751846.