MND Charities Join Forces to Support Families in Scotland

One year on from the announcement of his diagnosis, Doddie Weir is using funds raised through the My Name’5 Doddie’s Foundation to work with MND Scotland, and support people with MND across the country.

This MND Awareness Week (18th-24th June) the foundation has made a £100,000 one-off donation to MND Scotland, to contribute towards the charity’s grant scheme.

MND Scotland offers three different grants to people affected by the illness in Scotland, to help reduce some of the extra costs that come with a diagnosis of MND. The grants can be used in various ways, such as; to help with costs towards equipment, or adaptations to someone’s home; for power of attorney fees, or taxis to appointments; or to allow a family to have their last holiday together.

Doddie said, “The generosity and support we have received from all quarters since we launched My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has been incredible. From the start, I wanted to do something to help people who were going through the same as me. When you are diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, the future for you and your family is so terribly bleak. We are committed to helping find a cure for this devastating disease while also helping people affected by MND.

“We have already made some individual awards to families but we also recognise that MND Scotland has the experience and resources to help those who need it most. This is why we are delighted to have committed £100,000 to MND Scotland today, to allow them to use their grant system to make sure the funds we have raised are directed in the most effective way.

“We are also talking to MND Association in England and will have further announcements in the next few weeks about how we hope to support fellow sufferers.”

Jim Grant (75), from Edinburgh, who was diagnosed with MND in January 2000, has received grants from MND Scotland. He said, “I have used MND Scotland’s grants to contribute towards the cost of the ramp built outside my home. Without it I would be house-bound.

“I have also used the charity’s grants for breaks away – Janet, my wife, and I have been to MND Scotland’s caravan in Fife and their chalet in Oban, which are great because they are fully accessible. Sometimes I go to Leuchie House with the grants, where I can receive 24-hour care. This means Janet can take a break from caring for me full-time and get a holiday of her own, which is very important.

“We have benefited from MND Scotland grants and are so pleased Doddie is supporting such a fantastic service.”

Lawrence Cowan, Chairman of MND Scotland, said “We are extremely grateful to Doddie’s Foundation for making this generous contribution to our grants this year.

“Last year MND Scotland awarded 270 grants, to 183 people in desperate need of financial help, totaling £225,000.

“Doddie’s support will go a long way in helping us deliver these essential grants this year, to help people affected by this devastating disease. By working together, we will transform MND care in Scotland.”

People affected by MND in Scotland can apply for an MND Scotland grant here.