Doddie Foundation Gives £100K to Support MND Association Programs
To help support people living with motor neurone disease (MND), a group of disorders that includes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has donated £100,000 ($135,000) to the MND Association.
The association will use the funds to bolster its financial support grant program, which helps patients and families in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland with expenses associated with MND. The foundation also pledged £50,000 to MND Scotland, so that residents and caregivers in that country can benefit as well.
“These programmes aim to help to reduce some of the extra costs that come from living with MND,” the MND Association’s press release stated. “The grants can be used in various ways including to help with costs towards home adaptations, such as ramps and stairlifts, for specialist equipment to live life more independently, and for respite activities for carers and families.”
For example, an MND patient named Michael — no last name was provided — recently received a grant to support his musical hobby following a mishap damaged his guitar.
“Since being diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2009, my legs have gradually become much weaker and therefore my mobility has been adversely affected,” he said. “My arms however remain relatively unaffected at this time, which means I can still indulge in my main hobby, playing the guitar, whilst sitting down.”
“Last year, whilst at home, I had a fall and unfortunately landed awkwardly on top of my acoustic guitar. Needless to say, I was quite upset!,” said Michael. “The MND support grant has been an absolute godsend and, as well as easing my considerable levels of anxiety, means I can purchase another instrument and continue to play and make music as well as raise awareness and funding for the MND Association.”
The Doddie Foundation, established by rugby player and MND patient Doddie Weir, has donated annually to the association since 2018. This most recent contribution brings its donations to MND Association to a total of £770,000.
“MND will only be defeated through collaboration and partnership, and so we are delighted our care grants partnership with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation will be entering its fifth year,” said Sally Light, chief executive of the MND Association.
“While we are working hard to find a cure for this devastating disease, it is vital we can provide tangible support right now to those living with and affected by MND,” Light said.
“Our comprehensive grant programme is there to help people living with MND and their families in a number of ways, which can make a real difference when they are desperately in need of support,” she added. “We are incredibly grateful to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and know that this generous donation will help so much people in the MND community.”
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