On a day-to-day basis in my job, I have the privilege of meeting and supporting a huge number of remarkable people. These people are of a wide range of ages and backgrounds, and come from all walks of life, yet many of them share one thing in common, that they are facing a very uncertain and frightening future in the face of a devastating and ultimately fatal disease. 

Motor neurone disease (MND) affects approximately 5,000 people in the UK at any one time and has no known cure. It occurs due to damage of motor neurones (nerve cells) which results in muscle wasting and loss of muscle function, meaning that people with MND gradually lose their independence and lose the ability to talk, walk, eat and drink, and breathe. Over time, they can become reliant on communication aids to be able to speak with their friends and families, and express their wishes and needs. They can become wheelchair or even bed bound, and reliant on others to support with even the most basic things such as going to the toilet or having a wash. They can become reliant on a feeding tube to be able to receive nutrition, hydration, and medications, and be unable to enjoy the taste of their favourite foods and drinks or the fun of eating a meal with loved ones. And, they can become reliant on a ventilator, in some cases for 24 hours a day. What's more, one third of people with MND die within a year of diagnosis and more than half die within 2 years. This situation is something we would never envisage for our future, but sadly it is one that is the cruel reality for those living with MND.

We are joining the 8th annual MND walk, walking  the Guild Wheel (21 miles around the outskirts of Preston) to raise vital funds for the MND Association and the Preston MND Centre. The funds have helped to support local people with vital specialist equipment not always supplied or funded by the NHS, to help people caring for their loved ones to take a much needed break, or even fund a wedding to allow people living with MND make memories for their families to cherish once they are gone. Other funds are directed towards education, and both local and national research to help improve knowledge around the disease, identify treatments and improve standards of care. Every penny raised will make a huge difference to people with MND and their families.