Every couple of years, guided by the UK’s Motor Neurone Disease Association, Guernsey Motor Neurone uses some of its funds to support a medical project.
This year’s donation will support a three-year project led by Dr Ruxandra Dafinca, senior research fellow at Oxford and Professor Kevin Talbot, Head of Clinical Neurosciences.
The research aims to improve the identification of potential drug targets, by investigating the role of mitochondria – the energy-producing structures within cells – in the breakdown of communication between nerve cells in MND.
‘We’re deeply indebted to the islanders and businesses whose generosity makes it possible for GMN to make this kind of donation,’ said Mr Priore, who presented a cheque to Brian Dickie, chief scientist of the MNDA, at the charity’s headquarters in Northampton.
Dr Dickie thanked the local charity for its continued support.
The local charity is made up of some eight committee members, each with a personal connection with someone living with the disease.
The rare disease is gaining increasing awareness both locally and across the UK, and with it, the local charity’s profile has also grown significantly.
‘I joined GMN two and a half years ago,’ said Susie Hunt, whose sister has been living with MND for over three years.
‘And I’ve done quite a lot to raise its profile in conjunction with Vito Priore, who is the treasurer and director, and Karen Martin, who is the secretary. There are some high profile figures in the UK media who are living with MND, like Rob Burrow, who died in June 2024, and Lewis Moody, which has made a noticeable difference in raising awareness about MND.
‘We’ve moved forward in lots of different ways, with a bigger focus on a holistic approach to support. Making sure we’re there, not just for those with the disease, but also for their families and carers to make life a little more bearable at a time that is pretty bleak for most people.
‘All you can do when someone you love has this disease is make the most of every day. We invest the money wisely, and make sure that it’s always available when people need it.
‘Our first priority will always be to the people living in the Bailiwick, but every two years or so, the GMN has tried to make a donation to the MNDA for a specific research project, like this one, to help try to end the suffering.’
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