Pat Ahlquist, pictured on the right, is a volunteer with the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and recently gave Rotarians a comprehensive and informative talk about the vital work carried out by the charity.

The presentation was followed by Pat’s colleague, Gill Gibson, who shared her own deeply personal experience of the disease and the devastating impact it had on her family, ultimately resulting in the loss of her husband.

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a life-shortening condition that affects the nerves responsible for controlling movement. There is currently no complete cure, and the disease can have a profound effect on almost every aspect of a person’s daily life, including movement, speech, eating and breathing. Surprisingly, MND affects around one in every 300 people.

The MNDA’s ultimate goal is to see a world free from MND. It is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting and promoting global research into the disease, currently funding 155 research studies worldwide in the hope of finding more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

However, research is just one part of the MNDA’s important work. The Association also provides vital support to people living with MND, as well as their families and carers, through a network of local branches and regional care advisors.

David Shea, Vice President of the Rotary Club, was pleased to confirm a contribution from the Club towards the MNDA’s fundraising efforts. This donation will help support people affected by MND locally and has been made possible thanks to the generosity of the wider South Woodham Ferrers community and those who support the Rotary Club’s charitable events.