About MND

Motor Neurone Disease is a rapidly progressive, fatal disease that can affect any adult at any time. The cause of MND is unknown in most cases, and there is no known cure.

The disease affects around 5,000 people in the UK. At least three people a day die from MND, and another three are diagnosed. Life expectancy for most people with the MND is just two to five years, and around half will die within 14 months of diagnosis.

MND leaves people unable to walk, talk or feed themselves, but the intellect and the senses usually remain unaffected. People with MND can still think and feel, but their muscles refuse to work.

Famous people who have died of MND include actor David Niven, footballers Jimmy Johnstone, Don Revie and Willie Maddren, Leonard Cheshire – founder of the Cheshire Homes for disabled people - and journalist Jill Tweedie.

Professor Stephen Hawking, author of “A Brief History of Time”, is an exceptional case. He has survived with MND for over 40 years.

About the MND Association

The MND Association wants to see a world free of MND. We believe MND can be cured and we are working with scientists and clinicians to find the answer. In the meantime, we provide support to people with MND and their families to help them secure the best care possible and make the most of the time they have left. We also campaign to improve the services available to them.

The Association runs a National Helpline for anyone affected by MND, on 08457 626262 and has a website www.mndassociation.org