Tribute to Jennifer Bell

We are very sad to hear the news that Jennifer Bell, a young mum from Milngavie, who bravely shared her journey with MND, has passed away on Christmas Eve.

The 29-year-old student nurse, and mum of two, was diagnosed with MND in 2019. Since her diagnosis, Jennifer has spent her time not only creating precious memories with her daughters, Georgia and Kacey, but also raising awareness of MND and funds for MND Scotland.

In September, Jennifer was honoured at our AGM and awarded the John MacLeod award for her exceptional contribution to the MND community. 

Jennifer has bravely shared her MND journey in the national press, reaching people across the country with her story, including a poignant open letter urging people not to take life for granted. She created her own Instagram account and Facebook blog dedicated to her sharing her experience of living with MND, opening up about her decision to move to hospice. In her words she wanted to give people ‘an insight into my life as a single mum, living with a terminal illness called motor neurone disease. The good, the bad, the ugly.’

Through her own fundraising, and the generous donations of the many people touched by her story, an incredible £80,000 has been raised for MND Scotland. This money is helping fund essential services for people affected by MND, as well as pioneering research to take us closer to a cure.

She has inspired so many people, even receiving messages from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, pop sensation Lewis Capaldi and Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, because of her outstanding contributions.

Craig Stockton, MND Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “On behalf of everyone at MND Scotland I want to send my deepest condolences to Jennifer’s family and friends at this very difficult time.   

“MND has taken another life far too early, robbing Jennifer of her right to see her children grow up. MND waits for no one. There is no effective treatment and there is no cure. We need to change this.   

“We could not thank Jennifer enough for everything she did for our cause. In memory of her, and all the other lives we have lost, we must continue to rally together to end MND.”