NI councils light up to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease

Six of Northern Ireland’s eleven councils were last night lit up in honour of the 40th anniversary of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, the only charity which funds and promotes global research into MND and provides support to people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
By Gemma Murray
Published 7th Oct 2019, 13:48 BST
Belfast City CouncilBelfast City Council
Belfast City Council

Council buildings in Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ards and North Down, Belfast City Council, Causeway Coast and Glens, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council were illuminated in either blue or blue and orange on Sunday evening to mark the event.

MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.

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It attacks the nerves that control movement so muscles no longer work, leaving people locked in a failing body,unable to move, talk and eventually breathe.

More than half of those diagnosed pass away within two years and it claims the lives of 6 people every day in the UK.

There are currently around 100 people living with the terminal illness in NI, many of who aresupported by the volunteer-led NI branch.

Branch Chairman Stephen Thompson said: "The funds we raise help to provide specialistequipment & services for those living with MND which are not available from statutory services.

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"We also hold Afternoon Tea Support Meetings in five venues across NI to provide an opportunity forpeople with MND, their families and carers to meet as well as having a team of trained AssociationVisitors who keep in regular contact to provide emotional support.

Burnavon Arts Centre in Mid-UlsterBurnavon Arts Centre in Mid-Ulster
Burnavon Arts Centre in Mid-Ulster

“It is great to see so many of our council buildings lit up in recognition of the MND Associationsanniversary. MND is still considered a rare illness so awareness is vital to ensure we can continue tosupport the people we do.”

The simultaneous illumination comes as the Northern Ireland branch of the MND Association closein on their target of having all councils adopt the MND Charter. The five-point Charter is a statementof the respect, care and support that people living with MND and their carers deserve and shouldexpect.

The first council in Northern Ireland to pledge its commitment was Belfast City Council in2015, while only Newry, Mourne and Down and Derry City and Strabane are yet to have theirsupport finalised.

For more information, visit mndassociation.org/about-mnd/

Related topics:MNDBelfast City CouncilStephen ThompsonWalesEngland