The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association is calling on people to ‘Drink Tea for MND' this month, in order to raise vital funds to help support people affected by this disease.

Motor neurone disease (MND) is the name given to a group of diseases in which there is progressive degeneration of the motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurones are the nerve cells that control muscles, and their degeneration leads to weakness and wasting of the muscles.

This causes an increasing loss of mobility in the limbs and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing. There is currently no cure for MND. Around 110 people are newly diagnosed in Ireland every year and some 360 people and their families are currently living with the disease.

This month is National Awareness Month for Motor Neurone Disease and as part of this, the association is urging members of the public to organise a ‘Drink Tea for MND' event.

It is also featuring Michael Clancy (59), a father and grandfather from Limerick, in radio ads that will play between June 1-18.

Mr Clancy is a Munster rugby supporter who has refereed many of the country's top players over the years. He was recently diagnosed with MND and decided to share his story in the hope of raising awareness and funds for those living with the disease.

"My sisters were worried I was drinking as I had started to slur my words. It took months of tests but eventually I was told I have MND. I spent the next four days just driving around with tears down my face. I had no idea how me and my family were going to cope.

"This disease has affected my hands so much, soon I won't be able to hold my precious little grandson. Soon he won't be able to hear me speak," he explained.

Speaking about the MND campaign, the association's CEO, Aisling Farrell, said that it is ‘so grateful' to all the people who host tea mornings each year.

"They help provide vital funds that go straight towards helping Michael and all our other patients. So let's all raise a cuppa and share the stories of over 360 families right across Ireland affected by this disease," she said.
This campaign is supported by SuperValu. Anyone interested in organising a tea drinking event should email fundraising@imnda.ie or call 1800 403 403 to receive a SuperValu sponsored tea pack.

If you cannot organise a tea day, but would like to donate, text MND to 50300 to make a donation of €2 (some network providers charge VAT, meaning a minimum of €1.63 will go to the association).

For more information on the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, click here

*Pictured is Michael Clancy holding his grandson