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January 5, 2021

CHARITY APPEALS FOR VOLUNTEERS TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE

At a time of New Year resolutions, when many people selflessly want to contribute to their community, a local charity branch is urging volunteers to come forward to help them.

The Motor Neurone Disease Wirral Group is particularly keen to enrol people to act as Association Visitors to liaise with those afflicted with this particularly cruel disease.

“AVs play a vital role in supporting people affected by MND - both those with the disease and those close to them,” said group chair, Debbie Williams.

“We look for people with good listening and communication skills and after selection they undergo a thorough training programme. The role involves contacting people with the disease or their families via the phone, email or visiting them in their home - although obviously the latter is not currently an option.

“Following a diagnosis of MND it can sometimes be difficult for people to know where to turn. The Association Visitor can give them the opportunity to talk about their feelings and let them know what help is available in their area.

“This can help to reduce the sense of isolation some people affected by the disease can experience, and particularly so with the Covid situation.

“We know from experience that people with this progressive terminal illness find it very comforting to know the AV is always at the end of a line to give support, advice, encouragement and friendship at this time when it is needed most,” explained Debbie.

MND has been regularly in the national and regional headlines recently thanks to the fund raising efforts spurred on by the plight of former rugby league player Rob Burrows. But there is always a need for more donations so that vital research can continue to find a cure.

“Anyone who is interested in helping but doesn’t feel able to take on the role of an AV would still be welcomed with open arms by our group as the more members we have the more impact we can make,” said Debbie.

Those interested in helping can contact Debbie on 07836 635280 and more information can be obtained by going to the MND Association website.

Visit the Association Visitors page

December 6, 2020

EMERGENCY WINTER APPEAL LAUNCHED

An emergency winter appeal has been launched by the Wirral group of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

It is feared that the Covid pandemic will cost the Association £2.4 m because of cancelled fund raising events and this will impact on the urgent on-going research into the devastating disease.

Money is also needed to offer support on a day-to-day basis to people living with MND and to assist those locally the Wirral group has now launched the emergency appeal.

“Fund raising events have been postponed but our fight against this awful illness can’t be delayed,” explained the Group’s chair, Debbie Williams.

“Obviously we are still handicapped by the Covid-19 restrictions but we are determined to find ways to keep money coming in and one of our members has launched a JustGiving page to help those on the Wirral.”

MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease which affects the  brain and spinal cord. It kills a third of people within a year of diagnosis and half within two years.

There is currently no cure but the Association is determined that one will be found and meanwhile volunteer supporters both locally and nationally are working hard to raise both awareness and cash.

“We know that times are hard financially for almost everyone but every penny helps and those who would like to help can donate to our JustGiving appeal.” said Debbie.

November 9, 2020

SILENT WALK IN THREE COUNTRIES RAISES MUCH NEEDED FUNDS

A simultaneous walk in three countries - dreamt up by a Wirral mum - has raised almost £2,000 for her local MNDA group.

Anna Commander made a ten mile silent trek on the peninsula on Sunday while her daughters Louise and Maria made similar walks in Vietnam and Southern Ireland.

The trio all had 0.5kg weights around each ankle, walked in silence and only drank fluids to appreciate first hand the difficulties faced on a daily basis by those suffering from the cruel Motor Neurone Disease.

“My 80-year-old mum, Susan McNulty, was recently diagnosed with MND and the whole family has been bowled over by the support we have received from the local Goup volunteers. So we felt it would be nice if we did something in return for them,” explained Anna, 56, from Greasby.

She and her twin sister Clare McNulty walked ten miles on Sunday from Heswall, where their parents live, to West Kirby swimming baths and back again.

Her 29-year-old daughter Louise Commander, who works for a homeless charity in Dublin, covered the same distance by walking round the grounds of Castletown House in County Kildare four times.

And her daughter, Maria Knox, 31, walked in Hanoi, where she works as a teacher at an international school and her two children accompanied her for some of the way.

Anna, who works as a GPs practice manager, set up a GoFundMe page with an initial target of £300 but their efforts have brought in more than £1,800.

“I’m delighted with the support we have received and I hope that money raised in the three countries will keep coming in and anyone interested can donate via the GoFundMe website" she said.

Wirral families Silent Walk - read the article

November 2, 2020

SNOWDONIA CHARITY TRIP LEADS THE WAY FOR OTHERS

An adventurous Snowdonia trip by a keen charity volunteer, using a special mobility scooter, has not only raised funds but signposted hope to others.

Sue Hardy, from the Wirral, recently used the scooter, known as a “Tramper”, to ride along the Miners Track to the slate mines on Snowdon.

Fun loving Sue, 66, who has raised £30,000 over the years for the children’s hospice Claire House, has climbed Snowdon many times but following a devastating diagnosis earlier this year of Motor Neurone Disease she feared she would never again be able to ascend the mountain at all.

But the loan of the all-terrain Tramper by the Snowdonia National Park authority made it possible for her to make part of the ascent and the five mile journey raised more than £ 3,300 for the Wirral group of the MND Association.

“It was glorious weather and our team had lots of fun and laughter. It was lovely to see Snowdon again. I couldn’t go further because the terrain becomes too difficult with boulders everywhere but we had a great time,” said Sue, who worked in fostering services for the local council until her recent retirement.

“And not only has the trek brought in so much money to help people with MND but it was raised awareness of the Tramper which not many people know about.

“Following publicity about my trip we have been contacted by others interested in using the Tramper for the disabled so we passed on the relevant information.

“It’s a fantastic vehicle which the park authority generously loans out and I’m delighted that my story has brought it to the attention of others, who like me want to enjoy the mountain but need that extra bit of help,” explained Sue.

Her trek has so far brought in more than £3,300 and anyone wanting to help boost Sue’s fund raising can reach her JustGiving page.

Anyone interested in loaning the Tramper can contact Etta Trumper at etta.trumper@eryri.llyw.cymru.
Website - Snowdonia National Park Authority

Mobility scooter trek on Snowdon raises £3,300 for hospice - read the article