MP welcomes large boost for MND research
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A COMMITMENT by the UK Government to plough at least £50 million into research to find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) has been welcomed.
Spread over the next five years, the cash is part of a package of £375 million to improve the understanding and treatment for a range of neurodegenerative diseases.
The announcement of the funding has been welcomed by Moray Conservative MP Douglas Ross
He said: “I raised the need for government funding for MND research earlier this year in parliament, and I am delighted that this substantial sum of money will be directed at finding a cure for MND.
"It’s a cruel degenerative condition affecting the brain and nerves of people diagnosed with this devastating disease.
"Here in Moray, we have people suffering from MND and other neurodegenerative diseases. Lucy Lintott is well known in the area for her campaigning and fund-raising since she was diagnosed eight years ago when she was just 19 and I took the opportunity to raise Lucy’s campaigns in the House of Commons.
"After her diagnosis, Lucy began her Fightback against MND which has seen her raise more than £200,000 for Motor Neurone Disease charities with help from her family and many friends.
“She and partner Tommy Smith also defied the odds when Lucy became a mum to LJ, making her one of only five women worldwide to become pregnant after being diagnosed with MND. Happily, Lucy has defied the odds again and the couple are expecting their second child imminently.
"We've also seen the heroic work done by former Scotland rugby star Doddie Weir, who set up the My Name'5 Doddie foundation after his own diagnosis. The foundation has donated millions of pounds to MND research.
"All of these outstanding efforts will now be boosted by the government investment and let's hope that a cure for this horrendous disease is found."
MND affects the brain and nerves, causing weakness that gets worse over time. There is no cure for MND, but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on a person's daily life. Some people live with the condition for many years.
