Motor Neurone Disease

MND is the name given to a group of related diseases affecting the motor neurones (nerve cells) in the brain and spinal cord.  As the motor neurones gradually die, the muscles stop working.

MND is a rapidly progressive, fatal disease that can affect any adult at any time. The cause of MND is unknown and there is no known cure.

MND affects around 5,000 people in this country alone at any one time.  In the UK at least three people a day die from MND.  Life expectancy for most people with the MND is just two to five years, and around half will die within 14 months of diagnosis.

MND leaves people unable to walk, talk or feed themselves, but the intellect and the senses usually remain unaffected.  People with MND can still think and feel, but their muscles refuse to work.

Famous people who have died of MND include actor David Niven, footballers Don Revie and Willie Maddren, Leonard Cheshire – founder of the Cheshire Homes for disabled people - and journalist Jill Tweedie.

Professor Stephen Hawking, author of “A Brief History of Time” is an exceptional case.  He has survived with MND for over 35 years.

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