24 July 2025 News
The Motor Neurone Disease Association has welcomed its first fully funded MND research nurse into its ground-breaking Research Nurse Network.
The Association’s ambitious £7.2 million Research Nurse Network will give more people diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) the opportunity to take part in vital research across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
MND Association Research nurses offer people with MND information about research, identify trials they are eligible for, explain what is involved, and provide ongoing support if they choose to participate.
The role, based at the MND Care and Research Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, will integrate with the existing multidisciplinary team, which currently supports more than 170 people living with MND in the Newcastle region.
Experienced research nurse Andy Hamilton is the first to be recruited to the Network and is part of the Newcastle Care Centre team based at The Royal Victoria Infirmary.
Andy said: “I feel privileged that my role is the first in the country to receive funding from the MND Association. The funding will help Newcastle continue to provide the latest clinical trials and potential treatments for this devastating disease, something I feel passionate about.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with research nurse colleagues across the country as they commence their roles and to share best practice.”
Former truck driver Dougie Walsh was diagnosed with MND in 2023. He has taken part in MND research, including the MND-SMART trial, thanks to Andy’s support.
Dougie said: “Andy has been a great support to me – he is always there to answer my questions and helps me feel relaxed while taking part in the trials. As much as I would have liked to get involved in research, I don’t think I’d have been able to do it without his help and support.
“I’m part of the Tyne and Wear branch and still takes the wind out of you when your fellow branch members die from this disease. If the research I’m involved with can give anyone with MND a chance in the future, I’d do it.”
In time, MND Association Research Nurses will be embedded into the 24 MND Care Centres and Networks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Recruitment for research nurses at several other sites is already ongoing, with more on the way as part of the nationwide rollout.
Tanya Curry, Chief Executive at the MND Association, said: “Our community has told us just how challenging it can be to get the information they need about taking part in clinical trials.
“It’s a complex process, and one which can rob them of precious time with their loved ones. This has to change. We want to give everyone living with motor neurone disease the choice to take part in and influence the future of MND research.
“Our MND Research Nurse Network will do just that, providing the support, expertise and knowledge needed to create equitable access to trials for all.
“It’s a big investment – £7.2 million over four years – but one that will make a huge difference to people with MND and revolutionise how trials are accessed across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
Dr Tim Williams, consultant neurologist at Newcastle Hospitals, added: "Research is a vital part of finding better treatments for MND and critical in hopefully finding a cure. Newcastle has a long-standing reputation for delivering clinical trials for patients with MND.
“We are delighted to receive and accept this funding from the Motor Neurone disease Association, which will fund a dedicated MND trials nurse/research coordinator and enable us to continue this important work.”