Motor Neurone Disease Day marked in Bradford

Friday, 21 June 2019 16:00

Today, 21 June, is global awareness day for Motor Neuron Disease (MND) which will see some of the buildings across Bradford city centre illuminated in support.

MND affects the nerves (motor neurones) in the brain and spinal cord that tell muscles what to do. Messages sent from the nerves gradually stop reaching the muscles which then leads to the muscles becoming weaker, stiffer and waste. MND affects all aspects of life including how you walk, talk, eat, drink, breathe, and those affected by it will react very differently and at differing speeds.

With MND there is no cure and it is life threatening and has to be managed day to day as best it can. There is a 1 in 300 risk of getting MND across a lifetime and can affect adults of any age, gender but is more likely to affect people over 50.

Bradford Council recently adopted the Motor Neurone Disease Association Charter and as part of this MND will be offering training and support to council members and staff over the coming months.

Cllr Valerie Binney, who sat as a councillor at Bradford Council, sadly passed away from MND and was supported by work colleagues right through to the end of her life.

Cllr Jackie Whiteley, who worked closely with Cllr Binney said:

Valerie Binnie was a dear friend and colleague at Bradford Council and a former Lord Mayor. Sadly, Valerie contracted MND which is an incurable disease. Her strength of character and her Christian faith helped her to cope with loosing firstly, her ability to speak and then her mobility. I never heard her complain once and she was determined to adapt in anyway she could to continue serving the residents.

More from Local and National News

Appeal After Burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a property in Bradford.
Have your say and help to build stronger communities in Calderdale

People in Calderdale are being asked to share their thoughts about how they feel connected to their local neighbourhood and the wider Calderdale area
Bradford to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Bradford City Hall is to be lit up in red, white, and blue on Thursday 6 June to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
New bridge and new routes now open as project progresses

The new link road on the A629 south of Halifax is now open, as part of work to improve the flow of traffic and make it easier to walk, cycle or take public transport.
City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm