The three Sussex branches of the Motor Neurone Disease Association are combining for a fundraising walk along the promenade at Brighton on Sunday, August 29. This starts at 2pm at the The Big Beach Café, Hove Lagoon, BN3 4LX and will proceed to the i360/West Pier and back to Hove again. As well as able-bodied adults, there will be wheelchairs, pushchairs, children, and dogs!

The volunteers will be resplendent in blue and orange MND Association t-shirts and other regalia to raise awareness of MND at the same time as much-needed funds through a bucket collection. 50% of those diagnosed with this devastating, incurable neurological condition sadly pass away within 2 years of diagnosis. It takes away the ability to use your limbs, to speak, to eat and, ultimately, to breathe.

MND should not be thought of as a rare condition, the lifetime risk of getting it is 1 in 300, similar to multiple sclerosis. The effect MND has on younger people and their families is clearly shown by the recent media coverage of three famous sportsmen: Doddie Weir (rugby union), Rob Burrow (rugby league) and Stephen Darby (football). Their stories illustrate the urgent need for treatments to slow the condition and ultimately find a cure.

Readers can also donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mndsussexwalk Funds raised will help support patients and their families across Sussex. The event is also a great opportunity for potential volunteers to meet with MND Association supporters, patients and carers. All are very welcome. For further information on the opportunities and the walk please contact Julie Taghan - MND Association, West Sussex North Branch - Email julie@mndwestsussexnorth.com.