Campaign to have Norfolk County Council adopt motor neuron disease charter is launched

It's a devastating disease that leaves its victims unable to walk, talk, and eventually, even breathe.

And now a woman whose husband died of motor neuron disease (MND) has started a campaign to have the condition more widely recognised.

Sue Heal, from Wymondham, has enlisted the support of the town's mayor, Joe Mooney, to ask the county council to support the Motor Neurone Disease Charter.

If accepted, the charter would be made available to councils, staff, and health care professionals in order to raise awareness of people living with the disease and their families.

Mrs Heal, whose husband, Jim, died of MND in 2012, said the disease needed to be better understood.

She said: 'Although our neurological nurse specialist and many of the other health and care professionals were brilliant, there were some areas where, with a little more understanding of the disease, things might have been better.

'Unfortunately this condition is still little understood by some, and it is not given enough attention by decision makers. The MND Charter was launched to change this.'

Mr Mooney said the council's adult social care committee would consider the request.

He said: 'I consider it a pleasure to be asked to put the excellent MND charter to Norfolk County Council for their consideration.

'If passed, it will help raise awareness of the needs of local people living with this devastating disease and that aim is well worth supporting.'

Mrs Heal volunteers with the MND Association. To learn more about it and the charter visit www.mndassociation.org