William Brown
RENFREWSHIRE Provost Lorraine Cameron is to raise funds and awareness for MND Scotland throughout the year.
The charity was founded as the Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association in 1981 by police officer John Macleod and his wife Peigi.
At the time, services were limited and health professionals had little or no knowledge of the condition.
Today, MND Scotland works to support those impacted by the disease by offering services such as benefits advice, equipment loans, counselling, advocacy and a grants programme.
There are around 450 people in Scotland currently living with MND – the name given to a group of illnesses which affect nerves called motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord – and, on average, almost 200 cases are diagnosed each year.
Sadly, around 30 per cent of those diagnosed will die within one year.
Provost Cameron said: “I lost my mum to MND in 2011 and MND Scotland is a charity very close to my heart.
“It is the only charity in Scotland providing direct support to those affected by a MND diagnosis and their families and is funded entirely by donations and grants.
“MND is still relatively misunderstood in the community and it’s so important we also continue raising awareness of the disease and the support that is available, not just nationwide but right here in Renfrewshire.”
One way for local residents to join Provost Cameron in supporting MND Scotland is by signing up for ‘A Dip A Day In May,’ to mark the 10-year anniversary of the ice bucket challenge that raised £500,000 for support and research.
Throughout this month, MND Scotland is encouraging people who sign up to take on a daily cold water challenge, which can involve an ice bucket, cold shower or cold water swim.
Provost Cameron said: “The ice bucket challenge was a great opportunity for everyone to do their bit for those living with MND but, if cold water isn’t your thing, there will be plenty of other chances to pledge your support and help me raise funds and awareness for MND Scotland.
“Keep an eye on my Facebook page to find out all the ways you can get involved this year.”
Jonathan Mitchell, head of fundraising at MND Scotland, added: “We are so grateful to Provost Cameron for offering her support throughout this year.
“We know cold water isn’t for everyone but with A Dip A Day in May we hope to remember the global phenomenon that was the ice bucket challenge in 2014 and raise more funds to support people impacted by this brutal disease.
“A huge thank-you to Provost Cameron and everyone who supports A Dip A Day In May. We couldn’t deliver our services or fund much-needed research without you.”
To stay up to date with Provost Cameron’s fundraising activities, visit www.facebook.com/RenfrewshireProvost.