The Association’s research grants portfolio is the largest it’s ever been and, as of 31 May, includes 138 grants, with a combined value of £26.9 million, a significant rise from £21.5 million a year ago. This investment supports round 320 clinicians and researchers.  

Dr Mike Rogers, Director of Research and Innovation at the MND Association:
“MND is now one of the fastest moving fields of neurological disease research. Thanks to the dedication of our supporters and the wider MND community, we  can not only continue our commitment to funding outstanding science, but also to building the research infrastructure that allows innovation to flourish.”

The partnership between the Association and the Omaze Million Pound House Draw in June could unlock progress in MND research. 

The money raised - an incredible £4.1 million will help fund our Research Nurse Network – a project which will streamline access to clinical trials for people living with MND. 

Sophie, of Sussex who won the Omaze early bird prize of a Landrover Discovery and Airstream had a special reason for entering the Omaze House Draw. “I saw it was for Motor Neurone Disease Association. My mum passed away from MND when I was 13, and this time I thought I have to enter. MND impacted all of our family it’s a really nasty disease.”

The MND Association’s Chief Executive, Tanya Curry: “We are so grateful to Omaze for supporting our vital work, investing in cutting-edge research and supporting people with MND.”

Our Global MND Awareness Day campaign, #HiddenRealities, brought three deeply personal journeys to life - showing the courage of people living with the hidden realities of MND. In sharing these lived experiences across print, broadcast, digital advertising and social channels, we significantly increased social engagement, up 152% on last year, and introduced MND to new audiences. .

Lee Wilkinson, who featured in the campaign: “It’s just been amazing. It just seems unreal as well. It’s just like Wow; that’s me up there!”

Richard Evans, Director of Engagement at MND Association: “We rely on Lee and others to share their story to spread the message and tomake people understand why this is such an important cause to support.”

 

Our volunteers deliver real impact for people affected by MND.​ Our Roadshows, held in May and July this year in Liverpool and Gloucester, were fantastic opportunities to engage with our volunteers and the MND community, and provided a space to clearly set out our strategic objectives for the next five years. 

Wirral Group chair, Debbie Williams: “Understanding the plans for the future and involving volunteers in discussions will help us deliver these changes at a local level.” 

We were proud to once again support Carers Week, shining a spotlight on the challenges of unpaid carers.  

Craig, husband of Alex who was diagnosed with MND in 2021: “Being a carer for someone with MND is a long-term commitment. A lot of people go into it expecting short-term involvement, but the impact lasts a lifetime.” 

 

About 150 people - including Care Centre co-ordinators and directors, neurologists and other members of multi-disciplinary care teams - came together in Loughborough, Leicestershire, at the 2025 MND Care Centre and Network Day.  

The theme for the event this year was Best Care in a Shifting Care Landscape and was a chance to reflect on the current changes within MND care and consider possible approaches.  

Becky Thomas, Adult Speech and Language Therapist at the Nottingham Care Centre: “For me, it was really important for networking and to be part of the bigger picture, sharing best practice.”  

The MND Association has been quick to respond to the needs of our community, increasing the number of Cost of Living support grants awarded by more than 60% compared to the first quarter of 2024.  

Steven Williams, who is living with MND: “Without this help, we would be further in debt to the energy company. I am happy with the financial support you have given me and can’t thank you enough for that.” 

Giving people living with MND the chance to live life to the fullest has also been a key priority and the amounts we have awarded in Wheelchair Support grants have increased by 75% compared to the first three months of 2024. 

Eoin Egan, who received a grant from the MND Association allowing him to drive his wheelchair via a special headset: “I’ve benefitted enormously from integrating two technologies to enable me to use a head-joystick to drive my wheelchair.”