Why I want to raise money - Amy's story

Why MNDA?

MNDA is a charity that is very close to my heart since my Grandfather past away just over 10 years ago. He was a fit and active man, once serving in the RAF as a physical training instructor and playing rugby for the Saracens. In 1997 he fell ill but it was not until December 2000, 3 years later, that he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Unfortunately he lost his fight shortly after diagnosis, passing away in April 2001. I aim to raise £3600 for the charity through Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro. Through this I will also aim to get the charity the publicity it deserves and raise their awareness.

Since I have started this fundraising I have been told about lots more cases of the disease and who it affects people, so many more people than I first imagined.

So… what is MND? 

Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurones. Degeneration of the motor neurones leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing.

A little bit about the Association…

The Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), has a mission to fund and promote research to bring about an end to MND. Until then they do, all that we can to enable everyone with MND to receive the best care, achieve the highest quality of life possible, and die with dignity. They also do all that they can to support the families and carers of people with MND

Ways to support: 

• The best way to support is by raising awareness which can be done by sharing this blog http://www.amyandcarolinekili2012.blogspot.com/ and by sharing the MNDA website: http://www.mndassociation.org/ .

• If you would like to support my trek please visit my justgiving account  

• You can give directly to the association.

• Volunteering, I've given links for my local branches: Leicester Branch,  North Yorkshire Branch or Yorkshire Dales Branch:

Finally,

MND kills 5 people everyday in the UK

This disease affects people in different ways, so no two people have exactly the same symptoms, but it is rapid, progressive and unfortunately fatal. The cause is unknown and there is no known cure!