Volunteer for Motor Neurone Disease Association

Thursday, 6 June 2024 10:28

By Lisa Burnard

The Motor Neurone Disease Association is a charity that was established in 1979 to raise awareness, campaign for better care and support for people diagnosed with MND and their families, as Lisa Burnard from the charity explains

Whilst MND is a shocking and awful diagnosis, the importance of local support for the person diagnosed and their wider circle of family and friends, cannot be underestimated. Across the country the charity has local branches that are reliant solely on volunteers, amazing people who give their time and energy to a great cause.

The aim of the charity is to raise awareness of MND, both locally and nationally, with fundraising going towards supporting local people diagnosed with MND and their families, by providing funds for specialised equipment, that statutory services are unable to offer. They also focus on funding research and clinical trials; recently they successfully campaigned to ensure politicians, from all parties, commit to funding research that will eventually lead to a cure for this awful disease.

West Sussex North branch covers a vast area of Mid Sussex and works closely with health care professionals in the area to ensure people with MND and their families are supported appropriately. The branch also funds some of the costs involved in supporting the Sussex MND Care & Research Network. This ensures health and social care professionals that work across Sussex have the opportunity to attend study days, and learn from fellow professionals on the subject of MND, while continuing their professional development. This helps to give professionals an even greater understanding of MND and the complex care and support needs involved.

Branch Fundraising Volunteer Sue Sheppard recently organised a fantastic Murder Mystery night in Horsham. The event was supported by the Goring Region Occasional Players, who engaged the audience of 81 people, to help solve the Murder Mystery. The evening included a raffle and an auction for two beautiful pictures, painted by a branch member, which raised over £1,000 for the branch. Everyone had a wonderful time – as well as raising money for this very worthy cause.

The local branch is led by an inspiring small group of volunteers who would welcome new volunteers – to help bring fresh ideas and innovation in various volunteer roles. You don’t have to be an expert – just committed to giving a few hours of your time each month for a great cause. There are numerous volunteer roles available including fundraising, supporting people with MND, local campaigning, committee members or just generally helping out. All volunteers with MND are very much valued and get a great sense of appreciation for the role they play within the charity.

If you would like to volunteer for any volunteering roles, please email: Lisa.burnard@mndassociation.org

www.mndassociation.org

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Volunteer for Motor Neurone Disease Association

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