Surrey family’s MND story inspires charity’s winter appeal
WHEN Karen Rossiter’s mum, Pat, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) she wasn’t sure where to turn for support.
After first experiencing problems with moving and lifting her left arm, Pat, from Surrey, consulted a neurologist who requested further tests. She was eventually diagnosed with MND, a terminal, neurological disease which affects around 5,000 people in the UK at any one time.
After suspecting her mum might have MND, Karen contacted the MND Association’s MND Connect helpline for information and support. Now, as the festive season approaches, the family is fronting a new appeal to help raise awareness of MND as well as vital funds to improve support for families facing their own diagnosis.
Karen said: “At first, we put mum’s symptoms down to arthritis, or it was thought it could be a trapped nerve. But the problem only got worse.
“We consulted a neurologist who requested further tests. I also did some research and saw MND mentioned. So, when mum went back to the hospital, I already had an idea of what it could be. I knew mum had never heard of MND and I said to the neurologist, 'I don’t know how she’s going to take it’.
“I felt so helpless because I couldn’t make it better. All I could do was hold her hand. She was obviously upset – the whole family was. But we also knew we needed to be prepared, because you don’t know how quickly MND is going to progress.”
Six people in the UK are diagnosed with MND every day. The disease affects the brain and spinal cord leaving people unable to speak, eat and even breathe. At present, there are no effective treatments or a cure.
The MND Association’s Direct Marketing Manager, Alison Holmes said: “We are so grateful to Pat, Karen and their family for sharing their story which highlights just how important the right information and support is when facing MND.
“The money raised from the appeal will allow the Association to develop the services it offers to ensure we can continue to support more people like Pat and Karen while also funding vital research.”
To learn more, or to donate, visit www.mndassociation.org/rallyaround