Local MP Douglas Ross has welcomed a recent UK Government commitment to invest at least £50 million over the next five years to find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease. The money is part of a package of £375 million to improve the understanding and treatment for a range of neurodegenerative diseases.
Douglas said: “I raised the need for Government funding for MND research earlier this year in Parliament, and I am delighted that this substantial sum of money will be directed at finding a cure for MND. It’s a cruel degenerative condition affecting the brain and nerves of people diagnosed with this devastating disease.
"Here in Moray, we have people suffering from MND and other neurodegenerative diseases. Lucy Lintott is well known in the area for her campaigning and fundraising since she was diagnosed eight years ago when she was just 19 and I took the opportunity to raise Lucy’s campaigns in the House of Commons.
"After her diagnosis, Lucy began her Fightback against MND which has seen her raise more than £200,000 for Motor Neurone Disease charities with help from her family and many friends.
“She and partner Tommy Smith also defied the odds when Lucy became a mum to LJ, making her one of only five women worldwide to become pregnant after being diagnosed with MND. Happily, Lucy has defied the odds again and the couple are expecting their second child imminently.
"We've also seen the heroic work done by former Scotland rugby star Doddie Weir, who set up the My Name'5 Doddiefoundation after his own diagnosis. The foundation has donated millions of pounds to MND research."
"All of these outstanding efforts will now be boosted by the Government investment and let's hope that a cure for this horrendous disease is found."
