Mid Kent Matters
Autumn 2023​
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Welcome to Mid Kent Branch’s 
30th ANNIVERSARY YEAR      
1993-2023 
 
 
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 
 
Support Group Meetings 
Heart of Kent Hospice: 1st and 3rd Fridays in each month 
6th & 20th October; 3rd & 17th November; 1st & 22nd December;  
5th & 19th January      
Wisdom Hospice: Every other Wednesday of each month 
4th & 18th October; 1st,15th & 29th November; 6th & 13th December 
 
 Carers Meetings  
1st Monday of alternate months 
2nd October; 4th December 5th February. 
Contact Dave Sheridan [email protected] or Sue Copping [email protected] for full details and to be included on mailing list. 
 
LOCAL FUND RAISING EVENTS 
27th October (NOT 28th as previously advertised)  
Quiz Evening, Bower Mount School, Fant Lane, Maidstone ME16 8NL. 7pm for 7.30 start - Ring Joan to book a table 0134 686685 or 07930675991 
25th November - Mid Kent Christmas Bazaar, Princes Hall, High Street, Rochester ME1 1LS, 9.30am - 3pm 
October 7/8th Brands Hatch Event - David Ward (more details inside) 
 
DATE FOR YOUR 2024 DIARY 
Saturday 4th May 2024, 2pm 30th Anniversary Celebration Afternoon Tea 
Bower Mount School, Fant Lane, Maidstone ME16 8NL 
 
 
 
                ​

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FROM THE CHAIR

Well - 2023 really will be a year for celebration for Mid Kent. Not only are we celebrating 30 years of existence – and yes, that really is how long Joyce has been at the helm or centre of our branch. I cannot begin to imagine how many hundreds of people have been supported by her and we owe her a huge debt of gratitude for her quiet but dogged determination to make a difference to anyone affected by MND. But more of this will follow in the magazine and website and social media over the next few months. Our official birthday is October the 23rd and although we will have a lot of events over the year our big celebration will be in the Spring when we will hold our AGM and a wonderful afternoon tea. 

Another huge reason for celebration is the news that Maria Marshall and Kelly   Chubb have been appointed to be Specialist Care Co-ordinators for Medway and West Kent. This is something the branch has been campaigning for, for many, many years and now at long last people in this area will experience the benefits of having co-ordinated care from a specialist practitioner.  I cannot say how thrilled I am that we have this provision but it is made even better knowing we have two outstanding people to support us. So, welcome Maria and Kelly I am sure we will keep you busy. 

I also want to say a warm welcome to Sarah Smith our newly appointed Association Volunteer Coordinator (AVC).  Sarah, is Ahmed’s replacement and I know she is going to be as wonderful as Ahmed was and I am sure she will be in contact with many of you in the coming months. 

As always please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any of the branch members or AV’s if there is anything we can do and please, please do not buy any large or small items without checking with one of us first  as we do have access to so many things. 
From a very happy Chairman – let’s hope the sun shines into December! 
​
Annette ​

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RIP MARJORIE COCKER

Marjorie and her husband were among the first members of our Branch. She served for many years on the Mid Kent  committee. For many years she sold Christmas cards and paper at the Bazaar, so you may recognise her at the right of the above photo.  
We will give our sympathy to her family. 
​
Joyce 

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TREASURER'S REPORT

With Summer almost over, we are enjoying the last few days of sunshine and have been lucky to hold many of our outdoor fundraising events without being “rained off”! Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the organisation of Summer Fayres, Market stalls, Afternoon Teas, Model Railway Fundraiser, Tombolas, Garden Tea Parties,  Coronation Events, Auctions, Eurovision Sweepstakes, Sponsored walks, plant and book sales.  A fantastic sum of £8800 has been raised from these events alone!  Our grateful thanks also go to the National Lottery Community Fund who have given us a grant of almost £10000 to help continue with the running of the Support Group days at the hospices. 
 
Over the last few months (May to Aug) our general and “in Memoriam” donations total £2592 and from fundraising events we have raised a fantastic £11451! We have gratefully received £300 from corporate donations, and grants of £9966 to help fund the Support Group days at the Heart of Kent Hospice and Wisdom Hospice, our total income in this period was a fabulous £24310! 
Our Thanks go to  :- The Spaldings (Treasure Hunt), Gravesend Model Engineering and Marine Society, General Gordon Masonic Lodge, Leybourne Ss Peter & Paul CEP School staff,  Ray and Friends (Ashford Market Auction), Ruth and family (Sponsored Walk), Kathy Hales for Plant sales, The Inner Wheel of Maidstone (Chosen charity for 2023), Leybourne Scout Group (Coronation Tombola), Medway Lottery,  Woodhams Cards and Gifts,  Margaret Gibbons (Book sales) Chequers Inn Doddington, and to our committee for Garden Tea Parties, Raffles, book and plant sales, 100 club and quiz sheet sales.  
 
Our spending over this same period includes £13400 to support people affected by MND; £8100 of which has been on care, and £5300 on equipment. Our care costs have included Quality of Life and Emergency grants and therapies for people living with MND and their carers. We have made contributions towards the installations and rental of stair-lifts, installation and provision of ramps, contributed towards a wet room, shower chair and commode, as well as purchasing small items of equipment. We have also covered the repair costs, delivery and collection of equipment. We continue to cover the costs of the MND support days at both the Heart of Kent Hospice and Wisdom Hospice, including the transport costs of getting people to these support days.  
 
Thank you to everyone who has continued to support us with online donations via our justgiving and tribute pages, by standing orders or bank transfers direct to our account. Please get in touch if you wish to gift aid any donations that are made directly to our account, we receive an extra 25p for every £1 donated via gift aid which really does make a difference to our funds. As always we commit to using every penny raised or donated, to support local people diagnosed with MND so no one feels alone. Your donations will help us to continue to provide that support. 
​
Lynne  











​WAYS TO DONATE 
 
JustGiving - you can donate via our JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundaising/mid-kent-branch-mnd-association 
 
Bank Transfer  Our bank details are : MNDA Mid Kent Branch- Sort code: 30-96-09 - account number: 02968567  
Cheque -  if you would prefer to send a cheque - please it cheque payable to 'MNDA Mid Kent' and post to  The Treasurer, MNDA Mid Kent, 4 Grassmere, Leybourne, West Malling, Kent  ME19 5QP 
 
Easyfundraising is an excellent way to raise funds for the Branch, every time you shop online, without it costing you a single penny more.  Register on Motor Neurone Disease - Mid Kent Branch Fundraising | Easyfundraising and remember to shop via the website so that you can earn funds for the Branch.   
 
Text: You can donate via text message - by texting MND4MIDKENT to 70085 (costs one standard rate text message plus your donation.)  £5 is the default value for the text but if you wish to donate more, add that value after MND4MIDKENT (eg MND4MIDKENT 10 to donate  £10) 
JustGiving - you can donate via our JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundaising/mid-kent-branch-mnd-association  
You can access our justgiving page by using the QR link  below 
 
Old Coins- we can exchange your old British coins or foreign currencies (notes and coins). Just pass them on to our treasurer or any committee member or you can choose our charity at leftovercurrency.com Leftover Currency - Donations to MNDA Mid Kent Branch 

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DODDINGTON VILLAGE FETE

This has become a regular fixture in our fundraising calendar and so on Sunday 27th August, we set up our stall on the playing field in Doddington. Elaine, Annette and Lynne (plus a local helper) sold tombola tickets, books and jigsaws and raised a grand total of £321.05 for the Branch. It was so busy, that unfortunately no-one had time to take any photos, (Shame on you all! Ed.) but it was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon!  

Elaine ​

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BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIPS (BTCC)

Thanks to the efforts of David Ward, Chair of the East Kent Group, the MNDA is the chosen charity for the BTCC at Brands Hatch on the weekend of the 7th/8th of October.(as advertised on the front cover). If anyone would be interested in helping on the Saturday (practice day) – shaking collection buckets etc, please contact me (details on the back of the Newsletter). And obviously everyone is welcome to buy a ticket for either day should they wish to come along and watch the races. 
​
Elaine 

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WELCOME SARAH

I come to the MNDA with a background in safeguarding and early help, having worked closely with vulnerable children, young people and their families in custody, care, and education settings. I have worked for the Youth Justice Board and within Local Authorities. I sadly lost my wonderful Mum to MND in 2020 and therefore have personal lived experience of the disease. The MNDA means a lot to me due to the invaluable support they provided my Mum and our family with at such a difficult time. My Mum’s AV in particular was incredible, and I am extremely proud to be given the opportunity to work closely with individuals who give up their own time in order to support others. 
​
Sarah Smith ​

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WELCOME MARIA

My name is Maria Marshall and I'm the new MND specialist care co- ordinator for West Kent. I am a Registered Nurse and also a Reflexologist.  

I have worked in palliative care for many years and have also practised reflexology at the MND Living well day at the Wisdom hospice and in people's homes. I have put reflexology on hold to focus on my new role. 
My base is with the Community Neuro Rehab Teams at The Coxheath Clinic, and I will also be working from the Clinic at Sevenoaks Hospital.  
​
I will be working closely with the Heart of Kent Hospice and Hospice in The Weald.  
I feel very privileged to be in this role and to be working closely with the MNDA to support you and your family and carers. Thank you  
If you would like to contact me these are my details: [email protected]  
Mobile number 07816 088666 

Maria ​

We will welcome, Kelly Chubb, our second MND Specialist Co-ordinator in the next issue of MKM. ​

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ANNIVERSARY CHALLENGE 
 
Can you make 30 or more words of 3 or more letters from the word ANNIVERSARY, 
always including the letter R and  excluding capitalised words, plurals and conjugated verbs?

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IN THE BEGINNING - MID-KENT...

To look back over 30 years is quite daunting. I was able to refer to past magazines saved from the beginning of the branch and enjoyed (or wasted) many hours of reminiscing and remembering forgotten events and people. 
Before we became a branch we were a group attached to West Kent. After a few years we had a number of people all affected by having had a close family member with MND and who felt were strong enough to become a Branch. We had the approval of NO and we and NW Kent became branches. West Kent shared the equipment they had accumulated and gave us a share of their funds. I think £2000 but I am not sure. West Kent had previously given £5000 towards the building of the Heart of Kent Hospice on the understanding that they would support people living with MND (and they still do). 

We have always published a magazine to raise awareness, publicise events and fund raise. In those days, the reports were written by hand and then typed and photocopied by a member’s secretary.  The Quiz sheets were begun in 2000 to cover the cost of printing the magazine and still test the skills of so many people. 

Our first Christmas Bazaar was held in a garage as was the Plant Sale –and it rained! The bazaar was held in Eagle Court when Princes Hall was being refurbished and on one occasion we couldn’t lock up and found a policeman in the High Street to help.    

We began our Wine and Wisdom in Rochester Girls Grammar School and then went on to  Bradfields School in Walderslade, which we will never forget because of the time the caretaker forgot our booking and went out leaving the school locked! No mobile phones then, so we were unable to stop people coming, and sold the food bought for everyone in the interval - bread rolls, apples, crisps and cheese from the boots of our cars! 

We have been fortunate to have the support of our three Hospices and the knowledge of Dr David Oliver to benefit all our people and to have our voices heard at their MND Multi-Disciplinary  meetings. 

How things have changed – and not changed. We still put patients first, and raise money and awareness. We no longer have to book an electric wheel chair in Blue Water -those who need one have their own. Riser recliner chairs loaned by NO if the OT agreed are now widely available in shops. One patient called his affectionately his “granny ejector- seat”. Thirty years ago the warm water wash and dry was a Magic Loo and now known to us all as a Bio-Bidet 

We were one of the first branches to have meetings for plwMND and their carers. They were only once a month but now there are fortnightly meetings in the Wisdom Hospice and the Heart of Kent. 

I leave it to Annette to tell you what we have to look forward to…           

​Joyce ​

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CAMPAIGNS UPDATE

On Global MND Awareness Day (June 21st) I attended a drop-in event for MPs at Portcullis House in Westminster, organised by the Policy and Campaigns (P&C) Team. It went very well, with nearly 70 MPs and peers popping in (including my MP, Helen Whately). I've attached a few photos, but there were many more on social media and several MPs tweeted about the event, so lots of awareness was raised. I've also attached the Briefing Note that was handed out about research funding. 

The P&C Team have recently launched two new campaigns – Support MND Carers and Through the Roof. The first is at the evidence-gathering stage as the team seek to find out what current awareness and provision is like before we see if there’s anything that needs to be done locally to support carers. All carers should have a Carer’s Assessment carried out by their local authority, but anecdotal evidence suggests that this may not always be the case. Even if you’re a family member caring for someone, you should still ask for an assessment to ensure that your needs are met too. 

Through the Roof: the experiences of households affected by MND during the cost-of-living crisis – the aim of this campaign is ultimately to get the Government to agree to targeted support on energy bills for people affected by MND. The crisis has had a disproportionate impact on people living with MND and their families. In particular, the sharp rise in energy prices has penalised people with MND who rely on powered assistive equipment to keep them safe, well and independent. In the meantime, we want a commitment from Government to consult on the way forward and to bring forward a short-term solution this winter. Other charities are making similar calls on behalf of the people they support - we are not alone on this issue and there will be more on this in the coming weeks. 

Latest Research News - The big news on the research front recently has been the (hopefully positive) outcome of the MIROCALS clinical trials. For those not aware, this has basically involved the re-purposing of a cancer drug called interleukin-2 (brand name Proleukin) and the indication is that it is an effective treatment for MND. However, the full analysis of the results of the trails has still not been published and this has understandably been causing frustration and anger amongst the MND patient community. Those of you on social media may well have seen some of this. The latest updates on this, and other current research projects can be seen via these links:  

https://www.mndassociation.org/media/latest-news 
https://united2endmnd.org/newsupdates/. 
​
Elaine Coates 

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BOAT TRIPS 2023

Going up! Waiting for the lock to fill – the gates are shut and the water is gushing in. 








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STUART AT THE HELM

That is a very wicked grin – I’m so glad I know they all got home safely! 

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ASHFORD MARKET CHARITY TABLES

Once again Ray Scott and his volunteers at Ashford Market have donated a generous £5,000 to Mid Kent MNDA. Amazingly, they raise this money by selling goods which have already been offered for sale and rejected at least once! At the end of a day’s trading they collect unsold items from other stall holders on the site, sort them and prepare them for subsequent re-sale. Just before we reached the market, we took a wrong turning and inadvertently entered the Sevington Inland Border Facility, which was  opened to ease the congestion of goods vehicle movement across the channel - luckily a helpful security showed us the emergency exit and we escaped for a coffee and an enjoyable Sunday morning.          
​                                            
Joyce and Jean 

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FAREWELL TO AHMED or ANOTHER EXCUSE FOR A CAKE! 
​
Many thanks to Kay and Malcolm for organising a really interesting treasure hunt that took us through some beautiful areas of Kent - many that I had never visited before. The weather was perfect and the clues not too challenging - all in all a lovely day. Whilst we were all touring through the countryside Kay and Malcolm were raising awareness and many people stopped to make a donation.                              
​Annette

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A to Z of MID KENT FUND RAISING OVER THIRTY YEARS   ​

A   Archery Competition; Ashford Market Stall 
B   Bat & Trap Tournament; Bell Ringing; Bone-in-a-bucket” 
C   Choral Singing; Cycle Marathons; Car Washing; “Charity of the Year”  
D   Dart Contests; Dance Displays; Dragon Boat Race;  
E   Egg Laying (Just kidding!); Extreme Challenges eg “Ironman” Challenge 
F   Football Tournaments; Fish and Chip Meals; Fun Days 
G   Golf Tournaments across area; Giving-up sweets; Gardens Open 
H   Head shaving 
I    Ice Bucket Challenge 
J   Jazz Evening; Jody Duff Challenge Shield 
K   Karaoke Evening; Knitting Challenges 
L   London Marathon – and in Brighton, runs and cycle rides across the UK 
M   Miniature Railway Day; Mad Hatters Tea Party; More Marathons  
N   Nail Challenge; National Citizenship Service Day 
O   Open Gardens; Outdated Foreign & UK Currency Exchange;  
P   Pub Crawls; Punk Music Night; Prison Cycle Crawl; Poetry Book Launch 
Q   Quiz Evenings, Quiz Sheets 
R   Roller Dancing (aka Skatathon)  
S   Scottish Dancing Evening; Swimming Challenges; Silent Hours/Days 
T   Thai Lunches; Tea parties in Chatham and elsewhere  
U   Upchurch Fun Day  (one of many held across area);  
V   Virtual Walk Challenge during Lockdown 
W   Walk to D’Feet and many other Sponsored Walks 
X   Xmas* Bazaar; Money in lieu of Xmas* Cards and Xmas* Presents 
Y   Young Volunteers – Duke of Edinburgh Awards (no Yak Training though!) 
Z   Zumbathon 

This list does not include the Grants and Donations we have received from many local and national organisations and companies. 

*Sorry, spelling Christmas in this way is against my principles, but …                   

 Of course, this list just shows the tip of the proverbial iceberg but it seemed the simplest way to give a flavour of the ways in which people have fund-raised for us over the last 30 years. I have really enjoyed re-reading MKM and rediscovering the range and variety of the efforts so many people have made on our behalf, in venues across the ME postcode and in their own home areas, mostly in the UK but occasionally further afield. As well as raising money to help Mid Kent support local people living with MND, they have also raised awareness of MND across the county.   

Unfortunately, we don’t have a complete set of magazines and if you are aware of any omissions, please let me know and I’ll list them in the next magazine! It will be particularly good if they fit into the letters I had to cheat a bit to fill!  
Meanwhile – some memories of Christmas Bazaars Past – and another reminder to search for unwanted items which might make money on November 25th THIS year. (further information inside back cover.)    
​                                                            
Jean 
 There is always Bric-a-Brac: Balloons; F.C;  Raffle;  Cakes; and Plants 

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MID KENT BRANCH IS BORN!

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UNDER THE TREES AT AYLESFORD

We were very lucky with the weather for both of our meetings at Aylesford this summer. There were nearly forty of us on July 7th , when members of both Support Groups turned out in force and were joined by past carers and friends. As always, everyone who could, circulated and exchanged news, ideas and opinions and being outside meant that the noise level didn’t matter! Annette brought a selection of potentially useful gadgets and aids from our store and there was also a chance to buy more books and a large raffle in which everyone who bought tickets won at least one prize! We bring our own picnics at these sessions, which are supplemented by home-made cakes and biscuits. At our August session, Bob brought along some of his scrumptious cheese biscuits and scones to follow the icecreams ordered en bloc by the branch from the Priory Café. 

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CORONATION – QUIZ ANSWERS ​

So far I have not had many sheets returned,but hope they will appear soon. I wish I could think that you are all enjoying a sunny summer! The answers are:- 

1. Bunting
   
2. ​Archbishop 
   
3. Military Bands 
4. ceremony 
5. Crown 
6. Street Party 
7. Peers 
8. Admiralty Arch 
9. Shamrock 
10. Flags 
11. Marching Bands 
12. Crowds 
13. Sceptre 
14. Buckingham Palace 
15. Oath of Allegiance 
16. Edward’s Chair 
17. Procession 
18. Queen Camilla 
19. Ritual 
20. Orb 
21. Robes 
22. Stone of Scone 
23. Horses 
24. Commemorative Mugs 
25. King Charles lll 
26. Pages 
27. Waving 
28. Souvenir Stalls 
29. The National Anthem 
30. Peal of Bells 
31. Fireworks 
32. Gun Salutes 
33. Whitehall 
34. The Big Lunch 
35. Earl Marshall 
36. Regalia 
37. Leek 
38. Vivat Rex 
39. Annointing 
40. Knights of the Garter 
41. Zadok the Priest 
42. Trumpet Fanfares 
43. Rose 
44. Ermine Trimmings 
45. Bank Holiday 
46. The Mall 
47. On the Balcony 
48. Red Arrows 
49. Sovereigns Bodyguard 
50. Thistle 
51. Gold State Coach 
52. Subjects 
53. Hymns 
54. Princess Royal 

​The next quiz Gainful Employment is ready when you are. If you do not already have a supplier and would like to join in the fun, please email or text me (details on back cover).          

Jean  

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100 CLUB WINNERS

July       1st       44       P C Swain
             2nd   88       Claire Richards 
Aug      1st     84       Kelly-Ann Ralph 
           2nd   115      Julie Mustill 

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CHRISTMAS BAZAAR, Nov.18th 2023  ​

BRIC A BRAC - EMPTY TABLES
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Or there will be if we don’t all have a good look in our cupboards and garages! We will be happy to collect any new or nearly new unwanted items that you would like to re-home! Please ring or email any AV or Committee member (Contact details on back page) to arrange the evacuation!

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​WALK TO D’FEET 2023

​This year’s walk for MND which took place in Shorne Country Park on Sunday 3rd September was a great success!  The event raised over £800 and around 50 walkers took part, all of whom enjoyed a lovely woodland walk at their own pace and a good chinwag with friends old and new along the way. 
This event is such a positive way of raising funds and awareness whilst remember and honouring Brenda Sheridan who started this tradition off in style 8 years ago. We are so proud that the event is still going strong and we are already looking forward to next year’s event which will take place on Sunday 1st September. 
We would like to thank everyone who came along this year and those who helped set up the registration station on the day. We are most grateful for all the support and donations we received and we are proud that this will have a direct impact on those affected by MND.

BRENDA -Taken from a low-flying aircraft!

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USEFUL INFORMATION

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the name given to a group of related, but widely varying, diseases affecting the motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord.  Motor neurones are the nerve cells that control muscles; hence their degeneration causes weakness and muscle wasting.
 
MND is usually regarded as progressive but the rate of progression varies greatly from person to person and between the three main types of disease. In the UK it is believed that there are about 6,000 people suffering from MND at any one time.
 
BEFORE YOU SPEND MONEY ON A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, CHECK WITH THE APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL. IF IT IS SOMETHING THEY DO NOT PROVIDE, SPEAK TO YOUR ASSOCIATION VISITOR OR SHEILA THOMPSON (01634 723677).
WE MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU.
 
 
Mid Kent Branch covers the ME postcode area except ME13, and includes DA11-13
 
 
Meeting place : The Wisdom Wellbeing & Therapy Centre, High Bank, Rochester.
Branch web address - www.midkentmnd.org.uk
 
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT: Professor David Oliver
VICE PRESIDENT: Mr Colin Thompson, 01634 723677 [email protected]
CHAIRMAN : Miss Annette Scott, 01622 820719 [email protected]                 
SECRETARY : Mrs Joan Simpson, 01634  686685 [email protected]
TREASURER : Mrs Lynne Eldred, 01732 845278 [email protected]
CAMPAIGNS CONTACT: Mrs Elaine Coates, 07884 355423 [email protected]
LOCAL CONTACT : Mrs Joan Simpson, 01634 686685 [email protected]
FUND RAISING : TBA
MKM : Miss Jean Lear, 01634 404378 [email protected]
MND Specialist Nurses : Maria Marshall [email protected] and Kelly Chubb
AREA SUPPORT CO-ORDINATOR : Sarah Smith 01604 800651                                                                                                            
                                                               [email protected]
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MND CONNECT : 0808 8026262 

Motor Neurone Disease Association
Registered Charity Number 294354. Registered in England.
Company Limited by Guarantee No 2007023

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