It is the most satisfying work possible.
Luke Rutter
In August 1987 our dearest friend, Pat Lockhart, was diagnosed with MND. She had to travel to Co Durham and wished that a branch could be formed locally.
I was a Police Club treasurer and she asked me to become branch treasurer. My wife (also Pat) became vice chairman. Pat died in Dec 1988 and my Pat and I are still deeply involved. Pat has been branch chairman for many years. I have been treasurer and branch contact since the start, I am also a MND Connect volunteer and have served on countless working parties and committees.
Both Pat and I have been Association visitors for over 20 years. It might sound trite but we can't give up until a cure is found, we have too many friends with MND and countless branch members who are widows or widowers due to this dreadful condition.
I guess our most memorable moment was at our Branch 20th birthday party, to be presented with an Oscarr by Hilary Shaw and Chris Ellison. We often recommend involvement to friends, it is the most satisfying work possible. We fund raise, support patients and carers, liaise with statutory services, solve problems, give talks to organisations and 'fight' with national office. Its frustrating, gratifying and utterly rewarding.
