MND talk September 2020

      Motor Neurone Disease presented by Jenn Dodd

     The presentation was via Zoom. To see the PDF of the excellent Power Point CLICK HERE

Jenn Dodd, the Regional Fundraiser for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, gave an excellent presentation on the work of the Association, beginning with particular reference to the current Covid 19 situation The lockdown and subsequent restrictions have presented challenges both in the ongoing support of approximately 5000 MND patients and in fund raising. Over £2million has been lost in fund raising so far this year compared with previous years, despite a host of creative ideas such as Run 21 (by 21st June) and mission 5000 (1 mile for every person with MND), both of which Jenn has herself engaged in

Jenn's explanation of the nature of MND and the various types was technical but clear even to those without her scientific background. She has the advantage of having spent some time working at Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience, an important centre for research. The British MNDA works closely with research centres both here and internationally. In 2018 they hosted an International Symposium with 1300 attendees. Also important is their collaboration with other organisations such as Marie Curie and palliative care.

Certainly some progress is being made in finding treatment for MND. There has been a substantial increase in research papers worldwide. Gene therapy has proved a fruitful area of research, in particular in the treatment of children with a particular type of MND. Those interested can join the MNDA as a Cure Finder which, for a small fee, gives news of the latest developments.

Our thanks to Jenn for her very professional presentation - allbeit in isolation!

MND Association have a wealth of information for sufferers, carers & researchers - HERE

Our club meets weekly at the Downe Arms in an informal and welcoming atmosphere with good fun, fellowship and food