New Video from MND Association on this Special Day: "Join MND Association patron Eddie Redmayne on Global MND Awareness Day as he chats with Lesley Connor, one of our remarkable volunteers. Eddie delves into Lesley's 20-year journey, discussing some of her invaluable roles, and the impact she's made on those affected with MND" 🧡💙
British Royal Family - The Prince of Wales praise the sporting icon Rob Burrow as he was presented with his CBE for raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) surrounded by his beaming wife and their children | January 11, 2024
The Prince of Wales presented Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield their CBEs for their outstanding efforts to raise awareness of, and funds to fight Motor Neurone Disease (MND) — 11 January 2024
Yesterday at Headingley Rugby Stadium, The Princess Royal, Patron of MND Association, thanked fundraisers for their support.
Her Royal Highness was joined by Rob Burrow, the former England Rugby League and Leeds Rhinos player who was diagnosed with MND in 2019. Rob, along with his teammate Kevin Sinfield, has fundraised for MND research and increased public awareness of this incurable condition.
The role he couldn’t leave behind: Eddie Redmayne and Motor Neurone Disease. A Fan Interview
Now heaped with acting awards and acclaim, Eddie Redmayne is frequently asked for insight into his craft — how does he research and transform for his roles, disappear into his characters and then shed them?
But a decade ago, as he wrestled with the unique physical complexities and the gravitas of portraying an icon, Dr. Stephen Hawking, Eddie hadn’t developed a “process” or “method” on which to lean. So he took a deep breath and, with the guidance of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, he immersed himself in the cruelties of everyday life with MND.
(GIFs by sirredmayne)
He was connected with clinics and invited into homes of patients unable to care for themselves, struggling to communicate, breathe — like that of the unforgettable Glenn Phillips.
Eddie learned the nuances of the specialized healthcare and technology that simultaneously encumbers and enables. He touched flesh and muscle, cruelly atrophied.
By every measure, the film, “The Theory of Everything,” was a success. Eddie’s career, already on the ascent, soared. But it wasn’t only the awards and new opportunities that had changed his life.
In 2015, he eagerly became a Patron of the MND Association to help heighten awareness of its global research and support of patients and families throughout the U.K. Even before the honor and in the 8 years since then, he’s been consistent in his devotion, speaking eloquently of the ravages of the disease, making appearances at events, shivering and shuddering through two Ice Bucket Challenges, lending his image and voice to public awareness projects.
His connection to the Hawking family has endured, too. Eddie wrote the foreword to Dr. Hawking’s final book, Brief Answers to the Big Questions, and at the professor’s funeral in Cambridge in 2018 read a passage about Time from Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.”
Each year, for Eddie’s birthday on Jan. 6 (just two days before Dr. Hawking’s birthday, which is always noted), he now gives his blessing to a fundraising campaign organized by fans in his honor, supporting his patronage of the MND Association.
Earlier this week, reaching out to fans, Eddie agreed to share his thoughts about his commitment to the MND Association and his gratitude for fans’ efforts.
Charlotte Aguilar: 2023 marks a decade since you first began immersing yourself in the world of MND patients and carers, and you still find yourself deeply involved with helping to raise awareness of the disease. Why was this a role you couldn’t shake?
Eddie Redmayne: Firstly, a massive thank you for organising this. It means a great deal. The preparation for playing Stephen was a long one and as well as being able to spend a proper amount of time with Jane, Stephen and their wonderful family, I was also introduced to hundreds of people living with MND. It is a disease that I saw in all its detail and brutality and those people I met and their courage had a profound, lasting impact on me.
CA: Of course, your relationship with Stephen Hawking received the most attention connected to The Theory of Everything, but how were you impacted by your encounters with others in the MND community? How does what you learned from people like Glenn Phillips, whom you studied and later visited with your Oscar, stay with you in how you view life?
ER: Well, Glenn was just a brilliantly charismatic man — a passionate cinephile. He was also very open with me about the horrid tolls of the disease. He lived alone, and I remember visiting his house on a sweltering day. His doors were open to let in the air but covered with fly nets. I remember him being very concerned about keeping the fly nets in place. He reminded me that with MND you feel everything (of course), but there were parts of his body he was unable to move. So if a fly or a wasp landed on him he had no way of shooing it off. It was a specific but horrible detail of living with the disease, which of course I hadn’t preempted.
CA: During the height of the COVID pandemic, you became involved with the MND Association on a different level, helping with creating awareness among Members of Parliament about the special needs of patients. Why was that important to you?
ER: The people who run the MNDA are brilliant, and I have long offered my support to them. During the pandemic, I was astonished to hear that people living with MNDA were not automatically placed on the ‘most vulnerable’ list here in the UK. It felt important to me to hear the discussion and witness the response from the politicians when challenged on this.
CA: There have been huge bursts of attention for MND that fade — the Ice Bucket Challenges, the popularity and acclaim for The Theory of Everything, and sadly the loss of a number of well-known MND sufferers. Why is it important to keep the disease top-of-mind with the public at all times?
ER: Of course there are many extraordinary causes out there in the world vying for the attention and compassion of the public, looking for their support. Because statistically MND affects a smaller proportion of the population than some other diseases, investment in research and finding a cure can be less forthcoming. From my personal experience, having spent time with Stephen, Glenn, and a host of families, researchers, and specialists in the field, it will always be a cause that I put my support behind.
A sad postscript — a jolt of reality from June 8, 2017:
Please consider honoring Eddie’s patronage of this exceptional organization with a donation in his honor or by sharing our JustGiving page:
Ahh I didn't know! 😢 I vaguely remember Ben and Tom talking about something MND related on their podcast with Jim Hamilton but didn't realise there was a connection to Jacky! 😭❤️
Gosh that poor family has been through so much...😔💔
Yeah the missing pics seem to be more school related/younger (wonder if the players have had a pre world-cup media debrief and are clearing up socials as a result?) wouldn't blame them...
Oh gosh yeh not a fan of LRZ's 😅👀🙈
Yeah... I also remember it happened very suddenly because Jack was spreading awarness about it and then the last tweet he made about Jake was to raise money
Yeah that is what I love the most about him, he is always there for a lot of Charities actually ... From cancer to mental illness.. He is giving a lot of his time to North Walsham and Norfolk community as well going from sport centre to sport centre giving his shirt to barbershop , selling his shirt for charities and going to podcast of dewing grain...
So far he has given all his shirts 🙃 even the first cap 😭 and his hair... what people want more from him 😭 the man is dedicated to everyone
Oh , perhaps because it has been days he has not added anyone. Jack has nothing to clean as he posts nothing 🙃🙄🙄🙃 but he is busy bee he didn't went online much..
🎥 #Repost @mndvipteam on Instagram: "To mark Global MND Awareness Day our Patron Eddie Redmayne spoke to our fab volunteer Lesley Connor who is celebrating 20 years of volunteering for the @mndassoc. Eddie has this special message to for ALL our volunteers for all they do for us and to say a special thank you. You can watch his full chat with Lesley on the MND Association's main account".
The Princess Royal, as Royal Patron, has attended a 40th anniversary reception for MND Scotland during Holyrood Week.
The reception took place just a week after Global MND Awareness Day on 21 June.
She was there to celebrate the work of MND Scotland and its volunteers. The reception also highlighted the work MND Scotland is doing to raise awareness of the disease.
The reception was part of the Princess Royal’s busy day that included an investiture at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in the afternoon.
Unlocking the Mystery: Motor Neurone Disease Symptoms, Prevention, And Treatment
Introduction
Motor Neurone Disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is a complex neurological condition that affects the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements. This disease progressively weakens muscles, impacting essential functions such as speaking, walking, swallowing, and breathing. In this article, we delve into the intricate web of MND, exploring its symptoms, prevention methods, and available treatments.
Unveiling the Symptoms
Motor Neurone Disease symptoms can manifest in various ways, depending on the stage and progression of the condition. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for timely intervention and management.
Muscle Weakness: One of the hallmark signs of MND is progressive muscle weakness, which typically begins in the hands, feet, or limbs. Individuals may experience difficulty with tasks that require fine motor skills, such as writing or buttoning clothes.
Muscle Twitching (Fasciculations): Persistent muscle twitching, often observed in the arms, legs, or tongue, can indicate underlying nerve damage associated with MND.
Spasticity: Some individuals with MND may develop muscle stiffness and spasticity, leading to increased resistance during movement.
Impaired Speech and Swallowing: As the disease progresses, speech and swallowing difficulties may arise due to weakened muscles in the throat and mouth. This can result in slurred speech and choking episodes.
Breathing Problems: In advanced stages of MND, respiratory muscles become affected, causing breathing difficulties and shortness of breath, especially during physical exertion or while lying down.
Decoding Prevention Strategies
While the exact cause of MND remains elusive, several factors such as genetics, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices may contribute to its development. While it may not be possible to prevent MND entirely, adopting certain lifestyle modifications and risk-reduction strategies can potentially lower the risk or delay its onset.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Engage in regular physical activity, follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Protective Gear and Safety Measures: Minimize the risk of physical trauma or injury by wearing protective gear during sports and adhering to safety guidelines in occupational settings.
Genetic Counseling: Individuals with a family history of MND may benefit from genetic counseling to assess their risk and explore available testing options.
Environmental Awareness: Stay informed about potential environmental toxins or pollutants in your surroundings and take necessary precautions to minimize exposure.
By incorporating these preventive measures into daily life, individuals can take proactive steps towards reducing their susceptibility to MND.
Navigating Available Treatments
While there is currently no cure for MND, various treatment approaches aim to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and provide support for individuals affected by the disease.
Medications: Certain medications, such as riluzole and edaravone, may help slow disease progression and alleviate symptoms by modulating neurotransmitter activity and reducing oxidative stress.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy programs tailored to individual needs can help maintain mobility, strengthen muscles, and improve overall function.
Speech and Swallowing Therapy: Speech-language pathologists can offer specialized therapy to address communication and swallowing difficulties, incorporating techniques to enhance vocal clarity and facilitate safe swallowing.
Assistive Devices: Various assistive devices, including mobility aids, communication devices, and adaptive utensils, can assist individuals in performing daily tasks and maintaining independence.
Respiratory Support: In advanced stages of MND, respiratory support may be necessary to assist with breathing. This can involve non-invasive ventilation or, in some cases, tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation.
By combining these treatment modalities, healthcare professionals strive to optimize symptom management and enhance overall well-being for individuals living with MND.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is MND hereditary?
While most cases of MND occur sporadically without a clear genetic link, approximately 5–10% of cases have a familial component, indicating a genetic predisposition.
Can MND be cured?
Currently, there is no cure for MND. However, ongoing research efforts aim to uncover novel treatment approaches and potential therapeutic targets.
What is the life expectancy for someone with MND?
The prognosis for MND varies widely depending on individual factors and disease progression. On average, individuals with MND survive 2–5 years following diagnosis, although some may live longer with appropriate medical care and support.
Are there clinical trials available for MND treatment?
Yes, several clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate new therapies and interventions for MND. Participation in clinical trials can provide access to experimental treatments and contribute to advancing scientific knowledge in this field.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating the complexities of Motor Neurone Disease requires a multifaceted approach encompassing early symptom recognition, proactive prevention strategies, and comprehensive treatment interventions. By fostering awareness, promoting research initiatives, and fostering a supportive environment for individuals affected by MND, we can strive towards improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life. Remember, staying informed and proactive is key in the fight against MND!
The Prince of Wales meets rugby heroes Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow, in Leeds, to congratulate them on their outstanding efforts to raise awareness of, and funds to fight Motor Neurone Disease (MND) — 11 January 2024
Princess Anne will be visiting Kingsholm next week to send a rugby ball on a 555 mile journey. The Princess Royal will hand over a ball to rugby legends from across the UK.
And the move will kick off a a 200-strong peloton of cyclists on a poignant £500,000 charity fundraiser in memory of Doddie Weir, the Scottish rugby legend who died in November last year. A team of rugby legends will aim to cycle 555 miles in 48 hours to deliver it to Murrayfield Stadium ahead of the Scotland v Wales Six Nations game Saturday February 11 .
Once there they will hand the ball back to Princess Anne who is patron of the Scottish rugby team. The group, which includes former Scotland captain Rob Wainwright and World Cup winning former England skipper Martin Johnson, will raise money for motor neurone disease.
Son in law MIke Tindall is not on the official list of cyclists but earlier this year he paid tribute to Doddie who died while Mike was in the I'm A Celebrity....Get Me Out Of Here! jungle. He also donned his budgie smugglers to take part in Doddie Aid, a virtual exercise challenge taking place for six weeks from January 1.
The late Doddie Weir launched a fundraising foundation after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2017. The Scotland v Wales match is known as the Doddie Weir Cup and this will be first time since he died in November 2022 at the age of 52, the match has taken place.
After collecting the ball from Anne the cyclists will travel via the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Wainwright said: “This year marks the fourth anniversary of the Doddie Weir Cup, and it’s particularly poignant as it’s the first since Doddie’s passing in November, but this only drives us forward to continue making progress and raising awareness of MND.
“We have to believe that a breakthrough in MND treatment is just round the corner and push ourselves and others to raise funds to realise that dream."