15 October 2025 Communication aids
Meet Tahira and Amna...
Tahira, a former teacher and mother of four, was diagnosed with MND in 2020 after experiencing symptoms for 18 months. Initially, she felt a lump in her throat, followed by speech difficulties and progressive weakness. Tahira remains positive and supported by her family and faith and emphasises the importance of focusing on the person rather than the illness.
Amna details the initial confusion and eventual confirmation of the disease, the challenges of balancing professional and personal roles, and the importance of organisation and communication. Amna recognises the need for cultural awareness and openness about MND within the Asian community and reflects on her mother's strength, gratitude and resilience in the face of the disease's progression.
Tahira and Amna were interviewed in June 2025.
