'Vital' stars use platform to raise MND awareness, says charity supporting Wiltshire patients
Ex-England Rugby star, Lewis Moody, has revealed his diagnosis with the disease
A charity supporting people in Wiltshire with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) says it's vital people with a platform speak up about the illness.
World Cup Winner and former Bath Rugby player, Lewis Moody, revealed on Monday he's been diagnosed the disease.
Helen Mackie is the MND Associations' Regional Fundraising Manager for Wiltshire and says six people get an MND diagnosis every day.
"Lewis has shared that he is one of those six, but there will be five others who won't have that same platform," she said. "For Lewis and his family to share that diagnosis is so vital for out community. It shines a light on the disease so that people understand what it is."
Moody's is the latest Rugby star to reveal he has the disease, following Rugby League legend Rob Burrow, Scotland's Doddie Weir and Gloucester's Ed Slater.
Helen told us that these stars have helped bring MND into the public eye.
She said: "When they have been so open, people have actually now started to understand what motor neurone disease is, whereas before they may have never heard of it.
"They're now understanding how the disease progresses and when somebody then in their life gets diagnosed that they're able to support in the in a much more meaningful way."
Helen added that it's crucial people speak up, as 80% of people with MND lose their voice, as it is a muscle weakening disease.
Rob Burrow's former Leeds team mate, Kevin Sinfield, has been among fellow sports stars to have used their fame to shine a light on the illness.
Helen told us that has a significant impact: "When you lose your voice, it damages your sense of self and the noise that you feel like you can make.
"So for these people to actually vocalise to actually stand up and be so loud in their campaigning and raising awareness of the disease, that makes an even bigger impact to our community and those that are living with the disease."
Support available locally
She stressed the need for continued research into treatment for MND, with around a third of people dying within a year of their diagnosis.
"The need for a cure, the need for a meaningful treatment is so important, and it's what the community is crying out for. The only way we can do that is to research. And the more money that we can raise and put into research, the closer we're going to get to a cure."
The MND Association provides support across Wiltshire, with its North and South groups.
Both provide information and guidance for people who're concerned they might have early symptoms. Anyone with concerns should contact their GP, as well as reaching out to the MND Association.https://www.mndassociation.org/about-mnd/mnd-explained/early-signs-of-mnd
The groups are run by volunteers, some of whom have a lived experience with MND or with professional healthcare backgrounds.
The organisation can help ease the financial strain of caring for someone with MND, through a financial support grant.
Helen told us: "Physical change is going to be happening. People might need to adapt their homes, put in a wet room or a stair lift."
There is also support on offer for young people and carers to ensure they're guided through the experience.