News & Events
MND Association appoints new President and four new Patrons
22 September 2008
One of the UK’s most influential and respected scientists has been appointed by the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association as its new President.Renowned British neuroscientist, Professor Colin Blakemore, will use his role to help change the face of UK MND research whilst campaigning for the highest standards of care to be available to everyone affected by this cruel disease.
The former Chief Executive of the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) has played an instrumental role in building a strong partnership between the MRC and the MND Association to raise the profile of MND research. Whilst at the MRC he praised the Association for its growing reputation as a serious and principled research organisation.
For the past few years, Professor Blakemore has been President of the Oxfordshire Branch of the MND Association, illustrating his personal commitment to raising awareness of this devastating disease and ensuring that people living with MND in the here and now receive the best professional care and support.
He says: “MND takes so much from people - not only from those who are living with the disease but their families and all who love them. Research to find a cure is incredibly important but we must never lose our focus on people who are living with MND today. It’s an honour to be able to serve all who are living with MND and to continue campaigning alongside them so that we can make a real impact in our fight against this disease.”
“More research into MND is a top priority for our membership,” says Dr Kirstine Knox, Chief Executive of the MND Association. “So to secure a President who is one of the UK’s most eminent scientists is incredibly exciting. His expertise will enable us to grow the Association in line with our ambitions.”
Professor Blakemore succeeds Lembit Öpik MP who agreed to hold the post of President for two years and is now stepping down. Mr Öpik lost his father to MND in 2005. During his term of office he campaigned passionately for the Government to commit more money to fund MND research – a goal which was realised in November 2007 thanks to his tireless lobbying. He will continue to support the Association in his new role as Chair of Patron.
He says: “I set two goals for my presidency – raising money and raising the profile of MND. To have achieved these so successfully has been one of the greatest honours of my professional life. Colin Blakemore is precisely the right person to take on the presidency as the role develops to the next stage. I’m proud to be able to continue my fundraising and profile work for the MND Association as Chair of Patron. It’s a role that suits me down to the ground and I’m looking forward to developing a truly winning partnership with Colin and the team as we move ahead.”
In addition, four new Patrons have been appointed by the MND Association. World-renowned cosmologist Professor Stephen Hawking, neurologist and four minute mile record breaker Sir Roger Bannister, palliative medicine consultant Baroness Ilora Finlay of Llandaff, and entrepreneur and philanthropist Joel Cadbury. They will all be supporting efforts to help raise awareness of MND and the work of the Association. This announcement follows the news last week that HRH Princess Royal is now the Royal Patron of the charity.
The new appointees join existing Patrons: eminent scientist Baroness Susan Greenfield CBE, James Niven (son of cinema legend David Niven who died from MND), Sir David Frost and businessman James Sherwood
Commenting on the new appointments Dr Knox, says: “Having the right Patrons who understand our work and can contribute towards our goals is vital. With the fast growth of our organisation and ambitions, it was the right time to undertake a large-scale review to ensure that all aspects of the Association, and indeed the disease were covered.
“I am thrilled that our new Patrons have all decided to support our work by taking on this important role. By harnessing the energy and profile of such distinguished individuals means we can increase awareness of this devastating disease.”
Dr Knox concludes: “Our efforts are gaining momentum all the time and I am convinced that support from our new President and Patrons mean we will take another step towards achieving our goal – a world free of MND”.
