Motor Neurone Disease Awareness Month takes place each June and its purpose is to help raise awareness of this disease

According to national-awareness-days.com the event is organised by the Motor Neurone Disease Association. The group was formed in 1979 by volunteers who wanted to offer support and advice to those affected by the illness.

Now with over 3000 volunteers the association is stronger than ever and here to help anyone affected by the condition.

Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive disease which attacks motor neurones in the body. Eventually this leads to wasting of the muscles, which makes it harder and harder to move limbs and causes difficulty with swallowing and breathing.

There are lots of ways to get involved during the month to help raise money to support people suffering from the condition. You can simply donate, become a member of the group to show your support, or you can take part in fundraising events. From sponsored runs at home, to trekking the Great Wall of China, there are lots of ways to take part.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association has launched its annual awareness campaign based around the theme of VOICE.

The association says that between 80 and 95 per cent of people with MND will experience communication problems and with that in mind is working hard to ensure they all have their voices heard.

The campaign is fronted by Charlie Fletcher and Mark Samson, who are both living with MND. You can also get involved by displaying the campaign posters and postcards and by being active online.

All resources are freely available to download, or order. Go to the Awareness Month campaign page and read more.

The association says that people with MND find it hard to explain the condition to people, including healthcare professionals.

Raising awareness informs policymakers and means people living with MND receive the best possible care.

Better understanding also means more fundraising for more crucial research into the causes of MND, to bring us closer to finding a cure.

People with MND say that spreading the word can be a powerful way to keep their voice, when their own might be getting fainter.

That’s why this year the June awareness campaign is based around the theme VOICE.

Fronting the 2014 Voice-themed Awareness Month are Charlie Fletcher a 29-year-old vibrant filmmaker from Peterborough and Mark Samson, a 56-year-old IT enthusiast and professional from Camberley in Surrey.

To order your free resources, please email communications@mndassociation.org with your name, address and quantities.

Facts about MND

MND is a fatal, rapidly progressive disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.

MND affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time.

Half of people with MND will die within 14 months of diagnoses.

There is no cure.

For more information go to: www.mndassociation.org

For information on national-awareness-days.com:http://www.national-awareness-days.com

 

 

Written by Rachel Harrison, speech and language therapist, on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services.

Image rights – www.pixabay.com

 


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