The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, founded by rugby legend Doddie Weir, has donated £50,000 to charity MND Scotland and £100,000 to the MND Association, to support people living with motor neurone disease (MND).
Doddie, who first shared his MND diagnosis in June 2017, has pledged to help others with the rapidly progressing terminal illness, as well as funding for research into finding a cure.
Since 2018, the Foundation has committed annual funding to MND Scotland and the MND Association, to help the charities provide vital support to people who are currently affected by MND.
This new cash boost takes the Foundation’s total donations to MND Scotland and the MND Association to £430,000 and £770,000, respectively. The funds will be used by both organisations to help ease some the financial burden that comes with a diagnosis of MND, through their grant programmes.
These programmes aim to help reduce some of the extra costs that come with living with MND. The grants can be used in various ways, for instance; to help with costs towards home adaptations, such as ramps and stairlifts, for specialist equipment to live life more independently, and for respite activities for carers and families.
Jill Douglas, CEO of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “We recognise the challenges faced by people who are given this terrible diagnosis and the impact it has on them and their families.
“We speak to people every day who need support and we are committed to doing all we can to help. We are delighted to work with the two MND charities, MND Association and MND Scotland who have the experience and expertise to make sure our grants reach the people who need them most.”
Rachel Maitland, MND Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “A diagnosis of MND can put an enormous financial strain on people living with the disease, and our grants programme can be life-changing for those affected in Scotland.
“We thank the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation for this very generous donation and for the Foundation’s continued support over the years.
“These funds help MND Scotland provide essential financial support when people need it the most, and by continuing to work together we can make life a little easier for people living with MND right now.”
Sally Light, Chief Executive of the MND Association for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said: “MND will only be defeated through collaboration and partnership, and so we are delighted our care grants partnership with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation will be entering its fifth year.
“While we are working hard to find a cure for this devastating disease, it is vital we can provide tangible support right now to those living with and affected by MND.
“Our comprehensive grant programme is there to help people living with MND and their families in a number of ways, which can make a real difference when they are desperately in need of support.
“We are incredibly grateful to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and know that this generous donation will help so many people in the MND community.”
For more information visit www.mndscotland.org.uk.
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