18 June 2026 News
People affected by motor neurone disease (MND) across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are sharing the moments that mean most to them as part of a new campaign to mark Global MND Awareness Day (21 June).
Alongside birthdays, anniversaries and weddings, our Special days matter campaign shines a light on other meaningful moments in our community - from regaining independence with a stairlift or wheelchair to reading a grandchild a bedtime story with the help of a new communication aid.
Across towns and cities including Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool and Bradford, billboards are already appearing featuring members of our community, which each share powerful moments that have shaped their lives.
People behind the campaign
Former BBC Look North correspondent Andrew Hartley features on one of the billboards. Diagnosed last year after initially dismissing symptoms as carpal tunnel syndrome, Andrew faced the possibility that he might lose his voice.
When his brother asked him to be best man, he wasn’t sure he would be able to deliver the speech. But in April, he did just that.
“It was an extremely emotional day for everyone, but it was wonderful,” he said.
For Linda Mace, who has a form of MND known as PLS, she rediscovered a sense of purpose through attending pottery classes, which were funded by the MND Association.
“What started as something new quickly became something transformative,” she said.
And Mike Willis said he was overwhelmed when he heard his new voice after AI technology improved the quality of his synthetic voice, making it sound much more like Mike.
He said: “Tears came to my eyes, shortly followed by laughter. That was my voice! The worst symptom of my MND had been overcome.”
Read more special days on our Story Hub
Support from our ambassadors
As Global MND Awareness Day falls on Father’s Day this year, the campaign is particularly poignant for Association ambassador Misha Grimes, whose dad John died in 2022.
Misha has dedicated herself to raising awareness and funds for the Association, while supporting other young people through grief via her online bereavement community, Just Grieve.
Misha said: "My dad was my hero and losing him to motor neurone disease changed my life completely. But it drives me to keep going, find ways to support others going through similar experiences with my community Just Grieve and remember all of the special days dad and I had together. Awareness days like this are so important because they give families like mine a moment to remember, to come together and to make sure more people understand just how devastating this disease can be."
Fellow ambassador Charlie Ireland, known to millions of viewers as ‘Cheerful Charlie’ from Clarkson's Farm, has also backed the campaign.
Charlie’s father Christopher died of MND in 2011, giving him first-hand insight of the devastating impact MND can have on individuals and families.
Many in the MND community will also receive an email today from broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, reminiscing on special days spent with his brother Nicholas who died of MND in 2024.
Raising awareness
The campaign is also using new research to highlight widespread gaps in understanding of MND.
In our survey of more than 2000 UK adults, nearly two-thirds (65%) of men were unaware that their risk of developing MND is higher than women’s.
The impact of MND on the body was a common misunderstanding too. Almost half (45%) of those surveyed thought MND affects the senses, touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste, when it affects the motor nerves rather than the sensory nerves.
The research also found awareness among younger generations is lower than other age ranges, with more than half (58%) of young adults unaware that MND is short for motor neurone disease.
In light of these findings, Misha, Mike and other people affected by MND are taking part in media interviews to raise awareness of MND, which affects more than 5000 people at any one time in the UK.
A series of ‘family announcement’ style ads will also appear in regional and national newspapers, featuring many of the special days our community have shared and encouraging readers to visit our website to learn more.
The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 2000 UK Consumers (Nat Rep 18+). The data was collected between 22.05.2026 and 26.05.2026. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Opinion Matters is also a member of the British Polling Council.
Get involved
We'll be sharing stories of special days from the MND community on our social media channels and we'd love to hear yours.
Join the conversation and copy us in @MNDAssoc before, during and after Global MND Awareness Day Sunday 21 June.