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LocationHertfordshire
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ContactHetty Smith and Christine Carter
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Phone
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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- [email protected]. Tel: 01462 883450/07935 724384
For those living in South Herts (south of Hatfield), please contact Hetty Smith:
Email - [email protected]. 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
New Chair for the Hertfordshire Branch
Following the resignation of Kent Allen, we are pleased to announce that Lindsey Lucas has been appointed as Chair of the Hertfordshire Branch. Lindsey is no newcomer to the Branch having held the role of Secretary for the past four and a half years. Lindsey is looking forward to following in Kent’s footsteps and getting to know members and supporters over the coming months at our regular in person meetings at The Three Horseshoes, Hooks Cross and the Box Moor Trust in Hemel Hempstead.
Lindsey’s appointment does mean the Branch Committee now have a vacancy for a Secretary and we would also like to appoint a Vice Chair. These posts will be advertised shortly on the Association website and on our own website. If you are interested in being involved, please speak to Lindsey or Chloe Rich, our Community Support Co-ordinator.
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 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 succesfully 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'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. We are immensely grateful.
Upcoming Events
Hertfordshire Branch Annual Walk to d'feet MND
Join us on Saturday 5th July 2025 at 11:00 for a lovely walk around the North Lake Side at Stanborough Lakes, Welwyn Garden City. Walkers of all levels are welcome, as well as walkers who will be using wheelchairs. Donations of £10 per person, or £20 for a family of four are appreciated.
Please see below for more information, and to register email [email protected].
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 November 2024 NewsletterSeptember 2024 Newsletter
Past Events
A big thank you to Baldock Rotary
At Baldock Rotary on 19th March, President Garry Blyth and Immediate Past President Keith Britter were pleased to present a cheque for £1500 to Lindsey Lucas, Secretary of the Hertfordshire Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.
Baldock Rotary are pleased to help with a donation to this worthy cause and wish the Hertfordshire Branch every success with their important work. Lindsey thanked the Baldock Rotary for their generous donation which will help us support the people and families in Hertfordshire who are affected by MND.
Lindsay's January Challenge
Our very own Lindsey Lucas has run 31 miles in January in support of the Hertfordshire branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Having lost her sister-in-law to MND, she looked to raise funds to help support those living with this devesating disease.
If you would like to donate to Lindsey’s incredible fundraiser, you can read more and visit her JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/.../lindsey-lucas...
Xmas Lunch 2024
Our branch has a fantastic turnout for our annual Christmas lunch in December 2024. One of those in support and who provided a wonderful Christmas cake was by our very talented Association Visitor Elaine.
Real Tennis Challenge Match
A Real Tennis charity match is being held on Sunday 24th November from 11:00 - 16:30 at Hatfield House Real Tennis courts to raise proceeds for the MND Association.
If you're able to donate, we would be incredibly grateful for your support.
Coffee raises money for MND Association
We are happy to say that the Wellbeing Coffee Morning held on the 28th September was a fantastic success, thanks to our amazing fundraisers and volunteers.
Organised by Debbie Newbound, a parish nurse at St Thomas Church, and 96 cupcakes baked by local fundraiser Helen Ruggles, £188.00 was raised for the branch, with the MP for Luton North Sarah Owen sharing her support.
The money raised will help us support the people and families in Hertfordshire who are affected by MND, so we would like to say a big thank you to our MND Association volunteers for their incredible efforts.
MNDA Hertfordshire's recent talks
We were delighted to be invited to give two talks recently when we talked about the work of the MND nationally in terms of research, campaigning and care, the disease itself and the work we do in our branch.
The first talk was on 7th September to the Men’s Breakfast Club of St. Mary’s Church, Hatfield where we joined 30 members of the Club for breakfast before giving our talk. This was arranged as one of their club members was a close friend of Aaron Starkey – a lot of fundraising has been done in memory of Aaron.
The second talk was on 10th September to the Fellowship Group of St. Mary’s The Virgin Church in Welwyn. Here we were joined again by about 30 members of the Group. We were asked to give this talk as a member of the group lived with MND, dying just months after diagnosis. This time we were treated to a wonderful tea. Various members made donations on the day and the group donated £50 as well.
Nearly £2k raised for Herts MNDA at Woolyfest Music Festival
Jackie Castle and Phil Corke started the Woolyfest Music Festival at the Red Lion in Woolmer Green some years ago, and this year have donated £1,900 to Herts MNDA, raised in memory of Aaron Starkey.
The cheque was presented to Aaron's wife, Claire and our Committee Member, Grant. The funds were raised at the annual festival held in July where MND was one of the three supported charities. An amazing fundraiser from what was, by all accounts, a fantastic community event.
Guiness world record holder living with MND looks to smash two new records
An inspiring swimmer who is living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is looking to secure two Guinness World Records in two countries in just one day when he takes part in a special event in September.
Mark O'Brien, from Bedfordshire, has previously broken a Guinness World Record by taking part in a five-and-a-half-hour open water swim spanning 11km and raised £17,000 for the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Motor Neurone Disease Association branches, and will take part in two sprint events on September 1.
The first of the two events is a 50m freestyle at Inspire Luton Sports Village in the morning, followed by a 100m freestyle at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin, Ireland, in the afternoon.
Mark, who holds dual citizenship in the UK and Ireland, is aiming to become the record holder for the fastest swims for a person with MND and will be raising money for the MND Association, Challenging MND and the Irish MND Association at the same time.
He explained:
"Having been diagnosed with MND, a terminal illness that affects the brain, muscles, and nerves, leading to respiratory failure, I've faced immense challenges.
With my family, friends, and support from the MND associations in the UK and Ireland, and the charity Challenging MND, I've emerged from the darkest time of my life.
My mission now, outside of fundraising for these amazing charities, is to highlight the mental health impact of terminal illness and the positive effects of challenging oneself."
Sharon King, the MND Association’s Senior Regional Fundraiser said:
"We are deeply honoured to support Mark once again and are overwhelmed by his remarkable dedication and resilience in facing such a formidable challenge.
His unwavering commitment to raising awareness and funds is truly inspiring, embodying the relentless spirit needed in the fight against MND. Mark’s efforts are nothing short of amazing, and we are profoundly grateful for his support."
Diagnosed with MND in March 2022, Mark has been inspired by the likes of Rob Burrow and Alex Gibson to raise awareness and encourage increased funding for MND charities.
Mark's mission is to make a difference with the time he has left and never give up until his last breath. With his condition deteriorating, Mark is determined to try and still make a difference.
The Hertfordshire Branch is immensely grateful for the generous support he has provided, and is inspired by his incredible determination.
We send all our best wishes to Mark as he takes on his next challenge.
MNDA Hertfordshire nominated charity for Classics On The Common
Jenny Fellas, Association Visitor in South Herts, Grant Cameron and Hetty Smith, Hertfordshire branch Committee Members, spent the day at the annual Classics on the Common event in Harpenden on 24th July.
Thanks to Jenny's contacts at the Rotary Club, Harpenden who hold this event annually, we were nominated as one of three charities chosen this year to receive a share of the proceeds from the day.
Over 855 classic cars and 100 motorbikes came on to the Common and it was quite a spectacle.
The event raised over £28,000 of which £7800 has been donated to us. Kent Allen-Chair, Hetty Smith-Fundraising Coordinator and Jenny Fellas-Association Visitor attended a presentation evening on 23rd October when we outlined how the money will be spent.
Rainy weather didn't stop our annual Walk To D'feet from being a success
On Saturday 6th July, MND Association volunteers and members of the public took to Stanborough Park in Welwyn Garden City to take part in the MND Association Hertfordshire branch's annual Walk To D'feet.
Walk To D'feet's are all about raising awareness and funds for MND, and everyone who takes part is playing a part in tackling MND.
Despite the unfortunate weather, 42 people attended and were all in good spirit, and helped to raise funds for the Hertfordshire branch to allow us to continue our work in helping those affected by MND in the local community.
We want to thank all of those who attended and supported us.
Herts Baseball Club's Record-Breaking Charity Day
On Sunday, 2nd June, Hertfordshire residents and businesses joined members of the baseball community in support of Motor Neurone Disease research and the local MND Association Hertfordshire branch, where £1388.64 was raised from a charity event organised by Herts Baseball Club, at a sunny Grovehill Ballpark in Hemel Hempstead.
June 2nd is a significant date for Major League Baseball (MLB), as America's top professional league marks Lou Gehrig Day each year in honour of the former Yankees star player who had MND. However, this date will now also mark the day the association's late patron Rob Burrow lost his fight with MND.
We are immensely grateful to Peter Hogg, the organiser of the event, and Michael Cresswell, Club President for their support of our branch. Herts Baseball Club plans to make Lou Gehrig Day an annual event when they hope to inspire other international clubs, players, and fans to get involved and make next year even bigger and we, at the branch, look forward to supporting the next event.
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 to 5pm and 7pm to 10.30pm Mondays to Fridays. Calls are charged at local rate.
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 : [email protected]
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 [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.
Branch Committee
Committee Member’s Contact details
Any of the Committee can be contacted through our email addresses: [email protected] or [email protected]
Chairperson - Kent Allen: 07771 876562
Treasurer - Heather Hurley: 01462 627025
Secretary - Lindsey Lucas: 07905 157764
Branch Contact - Chris Carter: 01462 338450
Committee Member & Fundraising Coordinator - Hetty Smith: 01462 630195
Committee Member - Maria Watson: 07800 978281
Committee Member - Grant Cameron: 07896 260261
