CHARITY
Meet the
MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE ASSOCIATION
The three Sussex branches of the Motor Neurone Disease Association are currently seeking new recruits to join their enthusiastic and dedicated teams of volunteers. David Setters, MNDA volunteer and patient writes about what they do, how they help, and how easy it is to get involved
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he branches covering East Sussex, West Sussex North and West Sussex South, raise funds for and awareness of motor neurone disease, and also offering support to some 150 people in the county living with this incurable condition, as well as their carers and families. Motor neurone disease is a progressive terminal neurological condition which attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages stop reaching muscles, leading to weakness and wasting throughout the body. It affects an individual’s ability to walk, talk, eat, drink and ultimately to breathe. The progression and presentation of symptoms do not happen in the same way or in the same order for everyone. Around half of those
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diagnosed with the disease pass away within two years, 33% within a year. Motor neurone disease should not be thought of as rare. There is a 1 in 300 lifetime risk of contracting motor
Motor neurone disease is a progressive terminal neurological condition neurone disease, which means that over 200,000 of the current UK population will get it unless treatments are found. There are various volunteering roles to fill within the three branches, who urgently need enthusiastic fundraisers to come up with exciting event ideas and to help organise events. Other
volunteers who can lead or help with raising awareness and campaigning for improved services, both locally and nationally, are also in demand. The Association Visitor role involves visiting people living with the disease to provide them with information, advice, support and a friendly face. The East Sussex branch, for example, urgently needs an Association Visitor in the Uckfield area. “Volunteers make a huge difference to the services we can offer patients and their families,” said West Sussex North branch chair, Julie Taghan. “Whether you have the appetite to raise funds and awareness or to offer a caring, helping hand to those living with the disease, we can offer fulfilling opportunities. Staff and fellow volunteer support is on hand and, where required we can offer appropriate training.”
