- Location
  
  Hertfordshire
- Contact
  
  Hetty Smith and Christine Carter
- Phone
  
  North of Hatfield: 01462 338450 / South of Hatfield: 07930 462870

Welcome to the Hertfordshire Branch

Welcome to the Hertfordshire branch of the MND Association. We are here to provide you, your family and the community a broad range of support, as you live with this disease.

This includes friendship, access to various resources, regular contact opportunities, fundraising activities and support for National campaigns highlighting awareness of and the impact of MND.

The Branch is run entirely by volunteers and provides a vital link between the National Association and the local Hertfordshire community. Our aim is to make a positive difference to people affected by MND by:

Visiting with those living with MND, providing support and information to you and your carers.

Trained Association Visitors attached to the Branch provide personal and direct contact with those living with MND. They offer support, help, and guidance to those living with MND and their families. They can help with navigating the way through the health and social care system.

Fundraising to pay for equipment not provided elsewhere, and to contribute to things that provide quality of life such as transport, therapies or holiday costs.
Raising awareness of the disease through the local media, our newsletters and this website.
Playing an active part in networking and building relationships locally with health and social care professionals, to influence and improve services for people with MND.
Holding regular, informal Open Meetings where people with MND, their carers and families have various opportunities to meet other people living with the disease and share experiences.

If you are interested in volunteering with us to help make a difference to people living with MND in Hertfordshire, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If you are living with MND or are a family member/carer, we are able to provide support and advice – please get in touch.

Contact Details:

For those living in North Herts (north of Hatfield), please contact Christine Carter:

Email- christine.carter@mndassociation.org. Tel: 01462 883450/07935 724384

For those living in South Herts (south of Hatfield), please contact Hetty Smith:

Email - hetty.smith@mndassociation.org. Tel: 01462 630195/07930 462870

Fundraising

We enjoy raising funds for our local Branch to help with the care of local people affected by MND and to provide support for carers and families.

A variety of fund-raising activities have been carried out throughout the years, including :

- Collections at local supermarkets and train stations

- Street collections in local towns

- Bric-a-brac Stalls

- Attendance at local events, such as Stevenage Day

- Quiz Nights

- Musical Concerts

Recent news

Upcoming Events

A picture of the exterior of the Three Horseshoes Pub.

30th March, 27th April, 25th May

11:00

The Three Horseshoes, Watton-at-stone, SG14 3RY

Each month the Hertfordshire branch holds its North Herts branch meeting, where our committee members and those part of the community come together to discuss topics within the branch. These meetings are held at the Three Horseshoes pub, Watton-at-stone, although occasionally they may be held online. For more information, please contact: christine.carter@mndassociation.org.

An image of the exterior of the Boxmoor Trust

1st April, 6th May

14:00

Boxmoor Trust

Held on the first Wednesday of each month, our Get Togethers are a perfect opportunity for those living with MND, including their family and friends, to get to know other people in the community who are also affected by the challenges of MND. The Get Together will take place at: Box Moor Trust Centre, London Road, Hemel Hempstead HP1 2RE (as pictured). For more information contact: Lesley Ralston via leshenhouse@gmail.com.

Tea and newspapers

17th March, 21st April, 19th May

11:00

Zoom

Hosted on every 3rd Tuesday of the month is our Daytime group, where those who are affected by MND can join to meet other people in the community and speak with our volunteers on Zoom. For more information, please contact: Dawn.Pond@mndassociation.org

Motor Neurone Disease Association bunting

7th April, 5th May

11:00

Zoom

Held on the first Tuesday of every month is our South East coffee and chat for carers. If you're a carer for someone living with MND, you are welcome to join our online Zoom meeting every month. For more information, please contact: lisa.burnard@mndassociation.org

laptop with website

25th March, 29th April, 27th May

18:30

Zoom

Held online on Zoom, our Evening Carers Group offers carers of those living with MND a chance to meet with other carers and our volunteers on the last Wednesday of every month. For more information, please contact: justine.cox@mndassociation.org

Latest News

For more information about the different events and activities organised by the branch in order to provide support, raise awareness, and fundraise on behalf of people living with MND, please read our latest newsletter or contact us.

Latest Newsletter

Past Events

Support us at Folk At The Orange Tree

Once Again Baldock Folk Club have chosen the Hertfordshire Branch of the MND Association as their Charity at their Annual Folk at the Tree Festival.
Please come along and join us for an Afternoon of Live Music from Local Musicians Including Our Own Viv Lucas.

The Event Takes Place on Sunday 24th August from 2 - 7.30pm At The Orange Tree Pub, Norton Road, Baldock SG7 5AW

poster for the Folk At The Orange tree event

Our walk to D'feet recap

The weather was far more kind to us in 2025 after giving us a good drenching in 2024. A total of 31 supporters attended the Walk at Stanborough Lakes in Welwyn and had the pleasure of a gentle one-mile stroll around the North Lake. Some familiar faces as well as new ones joined us along with several of our four-legged friends. The local wildlife were out in numbers; Swans, Ducks, Moor Hens, Coots and Geese including a number of Goslings being held in firm control by their mum.

There was a Raffle held where, not surprisingly, the prosecco and cake prizes were the first to go and overall the day raised in excess of £500 for the Branch. Special mention to the family of our Committee Member, Hetty, who turned out in numbers to support the walk and as ever many thanks to all those who came along for a coffee, a chat and a walk to support the Hertfordshire Branch.

A group of MND Association supports wearing MNDA t shirts who have completed the Walk to D'feet at Stanborough lakes

Lauren makes our branch proud at the London Marathon 2025

As mentioned in our March newsletter, Lauren Petchell undertook her third major fundraising event in support of her father, Mick Grimsdale, who she describes as her hero and the bravest person she knows and who has been living with MND since 2015

Raising awareness and funds for the MND Association will never be a one off thing for Lauren and her family, as they sadly know first hand the devastating affects the disease has on its sufferers and those around them. 

Lauren stood smiling in front of an MND Association banner

Lauren ran the London Marathon in just over 5 hours and raised an incredible £8,864.00 which will be split between National Office and the Hertfordshire Branch.

We are hugely grateful to Lauren for undertaking the London Marathon – she and her brother, James have already applied for places for the 2026 event.

Thank you, Lauren for all you and your family do to raise awareness and fundraise for us. Words cannot express how proud we of you and all you do.

Molly successfully takes on Brighton Marathon for MND Association

Molly Sykes – as mentioned in our last newsletter – ran the Brighton Marathon in support of her father, Mark who is living with MND having been diagnosed in 2022. As Molly says, watching her Dad lose his independence as the disease progresses is heartbreaking, but through it all, he’s shown incredible strength and resilience.

Molly also arranged for the MND Association to be the recipient of a charity day at a recent Saracens vs. Gloucester rugby game. Saracens rugby club were keen to help raise as much money as possible, so they interviewed Molly on the pitch and shared the event on their social media. All the fans were excited about the prizes and keen to support such a worthy cause. 

Molly running with her arms in the air at the Brighton Marathon — Molly at the Brighton Marathon 2025

Molly's family also met lots of people who have been affected by MND too and shared their stories. Molly’s fundraising total for these two events is over £7,140.00, being shared by National Office and the Hertfordshire branch.

We just want to say a huge thank you to Molly for all she has done in support of her father and our branch.

MNDA Hertfordshire volunteers presented with cheque by Variety Express on stage

31 October - 3 November

14:00 & 19:30

St Francis' Theatre, Letchworth Garden City

We are thrilled to have been chosen again as one of Variety Express' charities this year, with their upcoming performance in aid of the MNDA We were thrilled to have been chosen again as one of Variety Express' charities this year, when their performance in aid of the MNDA Hertfordshire branch, and Young Carers Crew, The Scary Fairy Tale halloween musical will took place in October at the St Francis Theatre, Letchworth. We are very grateful for the cheque received for £3000 which was presented to committee member, Grant Cameron.

MNDA Hertfordshire volunteers presented with cheque by Variety Express on stage

31 October - 3 November

14:00 & 19:30

St Francis' Theatre, Letchworth Garden City

We are thrilled to have been chosen again as one of Variety Express' charities this year, with their upcoming performance in aid of the MNDA We were thrilled to have been chosen again as one of Variety Express' charities this year, when their performance in aid of the MNDA Hertfordshire branch, and Young Carers Crew, The Scary Fairy Tale halloween musical will took place in October at the St Francis Theatre, Letchworth. We are very grateful for the cheque received for £3000 which was presented to committee member, Grant Cameron.

Christine and Helen stood outside Granello Lounge in front of a table of cakes.

28th June

Granello Lounge

In June, Granello Lounge and Helen Ruggles held a bake sale in aid of the MND Association which raised an incredible £270.10 for the Hertfordshire Branch. Christine Carter, Hertfordshire branch committee member, collected the generous donations that will help us support local people affected by MND. For Helen, the motivation to get involved in this fundraiser was incredibly personal. Her mother, Christine Belcher, a former NHS midwife from Leicester, sadly died following a diagnosis of MND. Her experience with MND has driven her to want to make a difference to those affected by MND in the local community, and will be holding another bake sale in aid of the MND Association in September. We'd like to say a huge thank you to Maisie and her team at Granello Lounge for hosting the bake sale, and Helen for providing some delicious cakes for people to enjoy.

group of people walking outside

06/07/2024

Join us for our Walk To D'Feet at Stanborough Lakes on July 6th 2024! The Walk to D'Feet MND will take place at Stanborough Lakes, Welwyn, and will have a route that is suitable for all walkers, including wheelchair users, and those with dogs. Donations of £10 per person would be appreciated, or £20 for a family of 4. For more information contact: hetty.smith@mndassociation.org

A group of MND Association volunteers standing holding a cheque.

The Rickmansworth Townswomen’s Guild chose the Hertfordshire branch as their charity for the year. Lesley Ralston, Association Visitor, was invited along to their recent AGM to receive a cheque for £2850.58 for the branch, £500.00 of which will be going towards research. The cheque was presented to Lesley by the Chairman, Margaret West (left), and Almoner Frances McMurray (right). Many thanks to them for choosing the MND Association's Hertfordshire branch as the charity of the year.

Thursday 23rd May

14:00

THE RED LION, 88 GREAT NORTH ROAD, HATFIELD AL9 5EU

We're having a special get together this year and we'd love you to come along. The Hertfordshire branch will be joined by Tanya Curry, Chief Executive of the UK MND Association, and the event will offer up the chance to learn about all the key initiatives, progress and plans for 2024 and beyond. There will be opportunities to ask questions and interact with Tanya, whilst meeting up with others from across Hertfordshire. for more information please contact Christine on: 01462 883450/07935 724384.

Top Left – Justine Co - Area Support Coordinator and Kent Alle - Chair Top Right – Kent, Kim Davies (wife of David Davies) and their son, Harrison Bottom Right – from l-r – Kim Davies, Joe Kelly-Director of JJK Fitness, Kent, Justine & Hetty Smith. Bottom Right- winning team receiving the David Davies cup.

JJK Fitness, Kings Langley

Our chairman, Kent Allen, committee member, Hetty Smith, and Area Support Coordinator, Justine Cox, were delighted to attend JJK Fitness in Kings Langley‘s 3rd fundraiser in support of their past member David Davies, who sadly passed away with MND two years ago. This year, the gym event involved 16 teams who altogether raised an incredible £6050. We are hugely thankful to Joe Kelly, owner of the gym for his long and continued fantastic support. Picture: Top Left – Justine Cox - Area Support Coordinator and Kent Allen - Chair, Top Right – Kent, Kim Davies (wife of David Davies) and their son, Harrison, Bottom Right – Kim Davies, Joe Kelly-Director of JJK Fitness, Kent, Justine & Hetty, Bottom Right- winning team receiving the David Davies cup.

Grant Cameron on stage accepting the cheque

Founded in 1980 Variety Express is a North Hertfordshire based community theatre group with a currant cast of around 40 members, which has raised over £123,000 for local and national causes. They produce a positive and entertaining show for all. The MNDA Hertfordshire Branch were very lucky to have been chosen as their charity for 2023. The Pirate’s show, held over four days in October 2023, was very entertaining and raised the amazing sum of £7,000 for the branch. Image: Grant Cameron, Committee Member receiving the cheque.

Grant stood with his MND Association branded running gear.

December

MNDA Hertfordshire committee member Grant Cameron smashed his "Run 25 miles in December" challenge, ploughing through the icy weather and smashing his target with a total of 36 miles reached by the end of the month! His fantastic efforts raised over £800 for the branch, which will help us to continue our work with those affected by MND. A massive thank you to Grant and those who donated towards this fundraiser.

Paul, Max and Lukas Gilbert, with Jamie Gerrard, stood with their golf clubs while taking place in a 72 hole golf fundraiser

Last Saturday, Paul Gilbert took on 72 holes in one day in an inspirational fundraiser for the Hertfordshire MND Association Branch. Despite being diagnosed with MND in 2015, he completed the challenge alongside his two sons Max and Lukas, and their friend Jamie Gerrard, and have subsequently raised a staggering £23,000 in online donations alone! Without inspirational fundraising like this, we wouldn't be able to continue to deliver our vital help and support to those living with MND in Hertfordshire. A massive thank you to Paul for all you have done!

Mark O'Brien stood alongside his children beside the water he had completed his 6.8 mile swim

Mark O'Brien, from Slip End in Bedfordshire, was diagnosed with MND last year and has completed a world record attempt with a five-and-a-half hour open water swim - the longest unaided water swim for a person living with MND. The 54 year-old managed to swim for 6.8 miles (11km), further than his 6.5 mile target, and his three children swam the final stretch with him as his family, friends and even strangers cheered him on. Once out the water, Mr O'Brien told the BBC he was "freezing" but that the "support has been amazing". "It was a bit longer than we expected, and I'm looking forward to a hot shower and a burger," he said. So far Mark has raised an incredible £17,000 which will be split equally between the Bedfordshire Branch and Hertfordshire Branch of the MND Association and the MND National Office for research. We are hugely grateful to Mark for this fantastic achievement and magnificent sum raised.

MND Connect

MND Connect is more than just a helpline. MND Connect offers people access to a quick route to get advice, practical and emotional support and directing to other services and agencies.

MND Connect is available 9am till 4pm Mondays to Fridays. Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and are confidential and do not appear on itemised bills.

The service is for:

People living with MND
Carers
Family members
Health and Social Care Professionals
MND Association staff and volunteers.

MND Connect can:

Give information about MND and how to cope with symptoms
Give medical, social, practical and financial information
Offer help and advice
Put you in touch with an Association Visitor, local Branch/Group or Regional Care Development Adviser
Advise on the services the MND Association can offer
Send you leaflets and information sheets
Put you in touch with other appropriate services

MND Connect is made up of a team of experienced staff and volunteers who work closely with our local and regional services.

Contact MND Connect on 0808 8026262 or email : mndconnect@mndassociation.org

Gazebo for hire

The Branch has recently acquired a Gazebo which can be borrowed, subject to availability, for a small donation to Branch Funds. The Gazebo is green, 3 metres x 3 metres, it has two side panels if required and can be easily erected by 2 people. Please contact christine.carter@mndassoication.org or Hetty.smith@mndassociation.org for more information.

A green gazebo

Branch Committee

Chairperson - Lindsey Lucas

Vice Chair and Secretary - Stuart Barrett

Treasurer - Heather Hurley

Branch Contact - Chris Carter (North Hertfordshire): 01462 338450 & Hetty Smith (South Hertfordshire): 07930 462870

Committee Member - Maria Watson

Committee Member - Grant Cameron