Blair Backs Fight To Cure Motor Neurone Disease

2.30.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 3rd May 2006

"Tony Blair gave a hugely positive response to our requests."

In a milestone meeting between Tony Blair and the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND Association), the Prime Minister today gave his full support for the organisation's campaign to find a cure for the degenerative and terminal disease.

The meeting had been arranged by Lembit Öpik, Liberal Democrat MP for Montgomeryshire, whose father died from the disease exactly a year ago.

Following the meeting, Mr. Öpik said:

"Tony Blair gave a hugely positive response to our requests. He gave his personal endorsement for the MND Association's new research fund to raise enough money to create a pathway towards a cure for the disease. He also agreed to provide a reception at 10 Downing Street next year, as part of our on-going campaign to raise awareness of our efforts, and to thank the campaign's supporters for their work. Thirdly, Mr Blair undertook to look into the funding situation for MND research from the Government perspective.

"Overall, I'm truly delighted that the Prime Minister has taken such a personal interest in the work of the MND Association. He has met sufferers of the disease in his Sedgefield constituency, and was well aware of the effects the illness has, and its fatal nature. I believe his involvement will, in a very practical way, drive our journey towards making MND a thing of the past. It will be a proud achievement for the Prime Minister to have played such an important part in making this possible."

MND kills 1,200 people every year, and requires specific research into its causes and the way it affects the central nervous system. Recent research indicates that a cure is possible, but this will need investment of time and money.

Notes: 

The meeting took place in the Prime Minister's office, in Parliament, at 12.45pm, today.

The delegation from the MND Association consisted of Dr Kirstine Knox - Chief Executive, Dr Brian Dickie - Director of Research Development, Tricia Holmes - Director of Care Development, and Lembit Öpik, MP for Montgomeryshire.

In a written message of support, Mr Blair said: "Having met and known a number of people with Motor Neurone Disease, I am very much aware of what a cruel and devastating condition it is. I share the MND Association's vision of a world free of MND. Finding effective treatments, and ultimately a cure, for MND will require the combined efforts of governments, scientists and the voluntary sector. That is why I warmly welcome the MND Association Research Development Foundation. With your support it will make a significant contribution to the ending of this terrible disease. I thank you personally for your help in bringing to an end a disease that kills 1200 people in the UK every year."