A charity branch based in Rickmansworth celebrated its 30th anniversary earlier this month.
The Motor Neurone Disease Association’s (MNDA) South Hertfordshire branch, based in Pevensey Way, Rickmansworth, was founded 10 years after the MNDA itself.
The MNDA raises money to assist people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), their carers and families, as well as to fund research into cures and treatments for the illness. It also aims to raise the profile of MND in the wider community and influence the government.
MND is a terminal neurological disease which eventually leaves the sufferer paraylsed. There is currently no treatment and no known cure for the disease.
With 2019 being both the 40th anniversary of the association and the 30th of the South Herts branch, an event was held on April 3 to celebrate, with the likes of Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE, Mayor of St Albans, councillor Rosemary Farmer and the chairman of Watford Borough Council, Rabi Martins in attendance among other prolific guests.
Perhaps the most significant visitors, though, were the people living with MND, their past and present carers, and supporters.
Lesley Ralston, current vice chair of the charity, who lost her husband to MND, said: “my overriding aim has always been to help and support those people who are living with this most horrible disease.
“It is so important to have someone at the end of a phone, even if it’s just for a chat. That means so much. As a carer, you feel so alone.”
The South Herts branch is looking for more volunteers to help – ideally, younger people with up-to-date skills like: social media knowledge, writing skills to help produce newsletters and communication skills to liaise with the press.
For more information or to donate, go to mndasouthherts.org
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