Renfrewshire Provost pledges support for MND Scotland

Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron will be raising much-needed funds and awareness for MND Scotland throughout this year.

MND Scotland was founded as the Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association in 1981 by John Macleod – a Strathclyde police officer – and his wife Peigi. At the time, services were limited and health professionals had little or no knowledge of the condition.

Today, MND Scotland work to support everyone in Scotland impacted by this brutal disease by offering services such as benefits advice, equipment loans, counselling, advocacy, and a grants programme.

There are around 450 people in Scotland currently living with MND and, on average, almost 200 people are diagnosed each year.

Sadly, around 30 per cent of those diagnosed will die within one year.

Provost Cameron told the Paisley Daily Express the cause is close to her heart and said: “I lost my mum to MND in 2011 and MND Scotland is a charity very close to my heart.

“They are the only charity in Scotland providing direct support to those affected by a MND diagnosis and their families and are funded entirely by donations and grants.

“MND is still relatively misunderstood in the community and it’s so important we also continue raising awareness of the disease and the support that is available, not just nationwide but right here in Renfrewshire.”

One of the first ways people can join Provost Cameron in supporting MND Scotland is by signing up for ‘A Dip A Day In May’ to mark the 10-year anniversary of the ice-bucket challenge that raised £500,000 for MND support and research in Scotland.

Throughout May, MND Scotland are encouraging everyone that signs up to take on a daily cold-water challenge to support those living in Scotland with MND. It can be an ice bucket, cold shower or a cold-water swim with every plunge counting.

Provost Cameron said: “The ice-bucket challenge was a great opportunity for everyone to do their bit for those living with MND.

“But if cold water isn’t your thing, then there will be plenty of other chances to pledge your support and help me raise funds and awareness for MND Scotland. Keep an eye on my Facebook page, Renfrewshire Provost, to find out all the ways you can get involved this year.”

Jonathan Mitchell, head of fundraising at MND Scotland, added: “We are so grateful t o Provost Cameron for offering her support throughout this year.

“We know cold water isn’t for everyone but with A Dip A Day in May, we hope to remember the global phenomenon that was the ice bucket challenge in 2014 and raise more funds to support people impacted by this brutal disease in Scotland.

“A huge thank you to Provost Cameron and everyone that supports A Dip A Day In May. We couldn’t deliver our services or fund much-needed research without you.”

You can stay up to date with Provost Cameron’s fundraising activities by following her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RenfrewshireProvost

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