Leanne Eddie, an amazing colleague and friend, and I are swimming around Brownsea Island (6.4km) in Poole Harbour on 23rd June 2024 to raise money for the MNDA (Motor Neurone Disease Association). It's been lovely to have such supportive colleagues in this difficult period.

My (Gemma's ) Mum was diagnosed with MND in March 23. In the space of a year, my Mum who was totally fit and healthy active 75 year, has lost her speech and swallow so has a PEG tube and communicates by writing and walks with complete head drop due to neck weakness. After the shock of the diagnosis she has been incredibly positive and has retained her brilliant sense of humour. She is an inspiration to all her family and friends.

The MNDA have been an absolutely amazing source of support for Mum, me and my brother - both emotionally and and to help answer the numerous questions and uncertainties that come with the diagnosis and progression of this cruel disease, for which there is currently no cure. The MNDA also fund crucial research into finding new treatments and hopefully finding a cure for this disease that affects 1 in 300 people.

We have a good friend Andy Vaughton age 46 and father of 3, who was also devastatingly diagnosed with MND in 2021. MND affects everyone differently and he and his family have been inspirational in the way they'e coping with this disease and have also found the MNDA hugely supportive.

Thank you for visiting our JustGiving page supporting the MND Association. The MND Association focus on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. By sponsoring me your money will help people affected by Motor Neurone Disease. Once you donate, JustGiving will send your money directly to the MND Association. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure, your details are safe - they'll never sell them or send unwanted emails. Thank you again