My most memorable moment was at an AGM, when I was presented with a long-service award. The wife of a MND patient spoke of how valuable my contact had been to her.
Janet Oliver
In 1983 a work colleague was diagnosed with MND and as she required some pieces of equipment it was decided to raise funds through our workplace, Music Sales Limited, through sponsored events, car boot sales, discos etc.
In the meantime the MND Association became involved; Jan Way was the MND Association Patient Care Officer at the time. Our friend died in April 1984 but we continued to raise funds for the Association as a branch from October 1984 until September 1988 when changes of staff meant there was no longer such an interest and the account closed.
Music Sales Limited was most supportive; our managing director was an acquaintance of David Niven. Directors attended a Jessye Norman concert at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in September 1984.
In 1991 I saw a newspaper local item calling for anyone interested to attend a meeting with the idea of setting up a Suffolk Branch. The idea was instigated by Janet Clayton who had MND. The Suffolk Branch commenced and I took the position of secretary/contact. The branch closed in May 2004 due to lack of interested parties to be officers. Janine Vince and I decided to keep it going as a fundraising group. Since that date the Suffolk Fundraising Group has been in place and over £86,000 has been raised. This is mainly due to many local supporters and groups that are regular fundraisers and contributors.
I have been ‘contact’ for many years and took part in Visitor training at the Willen Hospice Milton Keynes. I held posts of secretary, treasurer and vice chairman at various times and currently undertake banking and reporting to the finance team. I attend our local volunteer visitor meetings to enable me to keep up-to-date with our people living with MND and related matters.
I remain committed to the Association having seen the devastating effects of the illness, firstly through my work colleague the many people living with MND I have had contact with over the years.
My most memorable moment was at an AGM, when I was presented with a long-service award. The wife of a MND patient spoke of how valuable my contact had been to her.
