Focus on families coping with MND
ARUNCORN MP has met those affected by motor neurone disease (MND) to raise awareness of the immense financial hardship families can face when trying to cope with the rapidly progressing, fatal disease.
Research commissioned by the Motor Neurone Disease ( MND) Association found families struggling with the financial impact of the illness with some wiping out their savings to receive support or going without because they cannot afford it.
Members of the MND Association Cheshire branch have joined the national MND Costs campaign helping to raise awareness of the issue and are calling for better access to the benefits and financial support people with MND need.
Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury visited the branch.
He said: “I want to thank my local constituents for sharing their stories and experiences with me.
“MND is a truly devastating condition affecting families not only emotionally and physically, but financially too.
“It is vital that we work to ensure people with MND get the right support, in the right place, and at the right time.”
The amounts people have to spend can vary hugely but on average, life with MND is costing an extra £12,000 a year, before loss of earnings. Those living with children and those of working age are likely to incur even higher costs.
MND Association volunteer Richard Webb said: “Until now this issue has been largely hidden.
“It’s really important that all politicians and decision makers understand that life with MND is tough enough, without being pushed into ● financial hardship.
“The massive financial impact of MND is having devastating effects on families who are struggling to cope. I know of people in Cheshire who have been obliged to borrow large sums, in excess of £60,000, to finance necessary alterations to their house as Cheshire West And Chester could not do the work for two years under a grant.
“Another, in Cheshire East, completed the alterations only for the patient to die within a month of completion.
“Making money available quickly is imperative with this condition. I welcome the assistance promised to us by Mr Amesbury.
“We need more people to join the MND Costs campaign to help raise awareness of this issue and make a difference.” ● For further information, visit www. mndassociat i o n . o r g / mndcosts.