Carers go the extra mile for MND

In Memory of Mary Aston

Cycle challenge fund-raiser by the Surecare team – in one of life's nice twists, I've been approached by the care company that looked after Mary -- they were very fond of her -- and they are running a fundraising event for MNDA in Mary's memory on June 21st.

To support MNDA on JustGiving, click here ).

MND

Motor neurone disease (MND) affects the nerves called motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord. These nerves tell your muscles what to do. With MND, messages from the motor neurones gradually stop reaching the muscles. This leads the muscles to weaken, stiffen and waste. MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. Some people also experience changes to their thinking and behaviour. You have a 1:300 chance of developing MND in your lifetime. From onset of symptoms survival time is typically three to five years with progressive disability and dependency during that time.

MNDA

The Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) is a charity that fulfils several functions -- providing support to sufferers and their families, sponsoring research and campaigning. During Mary's journey with this disease they provided essential support not available elsewhere.

Mary herself volunteered for several research trials at Sheffield University where amongst other things they are trying to develop therapies and they are hopeful that in the not too distant future real progress will result -- indeed one trial is already showing promising results.

Mary also donated her brain and spinal column to further research. I'm proud of her selfless contribution -- it was not without personal discomfort and difficulty.

However MNDA need money to fund this research and the government provides very little. The MNDA sponsor research across a range of institutions, and some research would probably not be possible without their help.

You can find out more on their website, here

Cycle challenge for MNDA

The Whitehaven to Sunderland is a challenge to fundraise for MNDA in Mary's memory.

As a team they will complete the 133-mile route on an exercise bike in the office, which is likely to take about 12 hours by the team coming in on their days off, after or in between their shifts.

I hope therefore that you might help MNDA by sponsoring the SureCare team and by passing this message on to others. 

You can donate on JustGiving  here.  

Many thanks

Terry Aston

PS

At Mary's funeral we collected over £1000 which has already been donated to MNDA and I thank all those donating for their generosity.