The Motor Neurone Disease Association funds research, improves care, campaigns for and provides support to people with motor neurone disease (MND), their families and carers.
MND affects the motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord which tell your muscles what to do. Gradually the muscles weaken and you lose your ability to walk, talk, eat and ultimately to breathe. There are currently no effective treatments and no cure for MND. Sadly, a third of people die within a year of diagnosis and half within two years.
“Any support you can give today; through volunteering your time and skills, fundraising in so many creative ways or by contributing to our appeals and campaigns will help ensure our work continues across our three priorities of improving care, funding research and raising awareness of just how devastating MND is, both now and for the future."
Tanya Curry, Chief Executive, MND Association
Growing up in Leeds, Gemma was highly influenced by Rob Burrow MBE, the former Leeds Rhinos player who was diagnosed with MND in December 2019, just two years after ending his playing career by captaining Leeds to a record-extending eighth Super League Grand Final.
Since then Rob has used his profile to shine a light on the devastating disease, teaming up with other sportsmen including the late Doddie Weir and Stephen Darby to raise awareness and call for more research into the disease.
Through his communication aid, Rob shares his thoughts on his love for his family, his determination to remain positive and his desire to raise awareness of the disease to help the MND community
Rob Burrow: Living With MND was aired on BBC2 on Tuesday 18 October and is available on iPlayer.