Oxfordshire charity helping those living with Motor Neurone Disease
A week on from the passing of Rugby legend Rob Burrow, we've been speaking to an Oxfordshire man whose family is also affected by MND.
Last updated 10th Jun 2024
A week on from the passing of Rugby legend Rob Burrow, we've been speaking to an Oxfordshire man whose family is also affected by MND.
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves causing weakness that gets worse over time.
There is currently no cure for MND, but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on a person's daily life.
The disease can significantly shorten life expectancy and affects around 1 in 300 people.
Matthew Hollis works at the Motor Neurone Disease Association looking after volunteers and supporting those living with the disease.
Speaking about the disease Mr Hollis said: "MND unfortunately runs in my family, 5%-10% of cases can be hereditary and I've sadly lost three generations to it.
"I can remember sadly when my mum died, we had to get the death certificate and the person who issued the certificate said I think it's one of the cruellest ways someone can die.
"But it's important to remember you aren't alone, I find my role extremely rewarding as do a lot of our volunteers who have a link to MND and it's almost a cathartic experience helping other people.
"There are up to 5000 people living with MND in the UK at any given time, with six people being diagnosed every day.
"What Rob Burrow and his family did so well is sharing their story so openly, because it's really helped raise the profile of the condition.
"Rob managed to live for five years after his diagnosis, but typically for most people it's around two years, but obviously there are some people who live for years, people like Stephen Hawking.
"Caring for someone with MND is a full time job, it can be 18 hours a day often unpaid and it is difficult.
"A lot of people will have to give up work and put their lives on hold to become full time carers and it's often the partners, children other family members.