Councillors from across the political spectrum put their names to a 5-point Motor Neurone Disease Association Charter before the Council Meeting of 11th September.
The signing highlighted ongoing efforts to fund and promote global research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a fatal, neurological disease for which there is currently no effective treatment and no cure. MND kills five people in the UK every day, and it is estimated that there are around 5,000 people living with the disease in this country.
Greg Broadhurst from Stockport’s Motor Neurone Disease Association said ‘Life expectancy following a diagnosis with MND is only two to five years, and it is a disease which can affect any adult at any age. This is why the work of the MNDA is so crucial – it ultimately could affect us all.’
MND attacks the nerves that control movement, and so the reality for many sufferers is being trapped inside a body that can’t move, whilst still being able to think and feel. It leaves those living with the disease unable to walk, talk or feed themselves.
Councillor Alex Ganotis said ‘I was delighted to sign the charter, which is part of a wider vision to work towards providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time for people living with MND. I would encourage others in Stockport to put their names to it too.’
The full charter is:
1. People with MND have the right to an early diagnosis and information
2. People with MND have the right to access quality care and treatments
3. People with MND have the right to be treated as individuals and with dignity and respect
4. People with MND have the right to maximise their quality of life
5. Carers of people with MND have the right to be valued, respected, listened to and well-supported.
Anybody is invited to show their support by signing it at the link below:
http://www.mndassociation.org/NR/exeres/81C300FD-BCE4-491C-B691-2F6361A12390