Sandra Gidley MP Supports Fight Against Terminal Disease

4.28.59pm GMT Thu 23rd Nov 2006

Sandra Gidley, MP for Romsey, is urging the Government to support research into a debilitating, fatal disease. Sandra, has called on the Department of Health to pledge £7.5 million to help those who have Motor Neurone Disease (MND). She said: "There is a clear gap between the amount of money spent on research into MND compared to other conditions, such as CJD. I urge the Government to take urgent steps to rectify this disparity"

Sandra Gidley is supporting the MND Association's campaign to ring-fence the funds, which they will match through their new MND Research Foundation.

The MND Research Foundation is a pioneering initiative that aims to raise £15 million over five years to support national and international research efforts to end MND.

One of the Foundation's flagship projects is a Whole Genome Scan in MND. This project will support a major international genetic research collaboration, which could revolutionise research into the disease. By scanning the human genome, scientists hope to identify specific genetic mutations that might be involved in the development of MND.

Kirstine Knox, Chief Executive for the MND Association, said: "We are delighted that Sandra Gidley has backed our campaign for increased Government funding into MND research. The MND Association wants to see a world free of MND and with the support of MPs such as Sandra, we hope we can make this vision a reality."

MND is a rapidly progressive, fatal disease. It attacks the motor neurones that send messages from the brain to the muscles, leaving people unable to walk, talk or feed themselves.

Around 5,000 people in the UK have MND at any one time. With no cure half die within 14 months of diagnosis.

ENDS

The attached photo shows Sandra Gidley MP with Dr Kirstine Knox, Chief Executive of the MND Association.

For more information on MND and the work of the MND Association, please contact Louise Carter, PR and Media Officer, on 01604 611843 or email louise.carter@mndassociation.org

For further information please contact Hannah Sladen on 0207 219 5986