In Memory of a dear friend Brian (Sam) Hamilton. This year’s charity is Motor Neurone Disease (MND). 

Sam was diagnosed with MND in April 2023 unfortunately MND is a fatal disease and Sam passed away December 30th, 2023, just 67 years old.  Motor neurone disease (MND) is a rare condition that progressively damages parts of the nervous system. This leads to muscle weakness, often with visible wasting.

MND happens when specialist nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, called motor neurones, stop working properly and die prematurely.

Motor neurones control muscle activity like:

•  gripping

•  walking

•  speaking

•  swallowing

•  breathing

Although there’s NO cure for MND, there are treatments available to help relieve the symptoms.  A team of healthcare professionals will work together to help care for the patient. This multidisciplinary team typically includes:

•  a neurologist and an MND care specialist

•  a specialist in breathing (respiratory specialist)

•  physiotherapists to advise on mobility aids.

•  occupational therapists to assess the need for adaptations to living environments.

•  speech and language therapist to provide help with communication and swallowing.

•  dieticians to support nutrition.

As the condition’s advances, the patient will also need palliative care.

Our donations can help provide essential care for both the patient and their family, it will help provide research, care, and awareness. 

A little over £100 could fund a specialist app to help someone suffering with MND continue to communicate.

MND Association offers financial support to people living with or affected by MND. Grants towards items such as:

•  emergency funding for living costs.

•  funding equipment and services if assessed as a need for someone with MND.

• funding for children and young people living with someone with MND.

Striders and Friends let’s help with raising the awareness of MND and maybe our fund raising will one day help towards finding a cure.

Thank You