MNDA Luton

The Thumbs Up sign represents David Niven's last defiant gesture. It remains our symbol of hope

and welcome to the website for the Luton & South Beds. Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND Association).
We are an independent charity, with a National Office in Northampton and over 80 Local Branches nationwide.
We have the sole aim of serving all those in the area who are affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
This includes people with MND, their carers, family and friends.

Sarah's Story at local Cinemas

Due to the kind support of Pearl & Dean we have been able to secure cinema advertising space.

We have been given a four week advertising period which will run from mid-January to mid-February

Click the link below for a list of cinemas taking part:

http://www.mndassociation.org/news_and_events/awareness_campaigns/sarahs_story/cinema_screenings/

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2010

Our first Open Meeting in 2010 will be on Monday 1st February. The usual time – 8pm – the usual place – Day Room at Keech Hospice. Our speaker will be Hannah Thompson who works in the Education Department at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. She is proposing to give us an insight into many types of Big Cat and will be bringing along items for us to see and touch. Unlike the meeting with the hedgehog you can relax as no lions or tigers are coming along.

Date for your Diary

In order to try to improve life for people living with MND on April 28th there is an event being held at Keech Hospice Care to consider the future development of services for people living with MND in Luton and South Bedfordshire.

This day is aimed at all stakeholders involved in planning, providing and receiving MND care. There will be opportunities for people affected by MND to work alongside commissioners and health and social care professionals to consider what works well, what doesn’t and how services could be improved.

Full details and invitations will be distributed nearer the time

Rachel Boothman (Regional Care Development Adviser MNDA)

Swine Flu

There are regular updates on swine flu on the society's main website www.mndassociation.org for people affected by MND, with links to NHS Choices.

This information will be updated as necessary.

Swine flu is similar in its symptoms to seasonal flu, and most people who catch it will recover within a week or so, without special treatment. However, people with MND may be more at risk of serious illness if they catch swine flu and will need to start taking antiviral medication as soon as possible.

The current seasonal flu jab does not offer protection from swine flu, because this is a completely different strain. A vaccine against swine flu is being developed, and once it’s available, priority should be given to those at greatest risk, which includes people with MND. At present, we are anticipating the vaccine being available from the autumn.

If you think you have swine flu, stay at home and contact your GP, who will assess you over the phone and prescribe antivirals if necessary. Clearly, if you have symptoms of swine flu, avoid contacting people with MND and those close to them. If you have concerns regarding MND and swine flu, please contact MND Connect.

Useful contacts:

MND Connect: 08457 626262 or email mndconnect@mndassociation.org. The opening hours are Mon to Fri, 9am to 5.30pm and 7pm to 10.30pm.

NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk

NHS Direct: 0845 46 47

Collaborative researchers from across the world have discovered a variant in a gene called KIFAP3 that improves survival in people with MND by approximately 14 months

Click here for the full story announced 11.05.09

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Less than a year after the last major research breakthrough, collaborative researchers have discovered a new gene mutation that causes a rare inherited form of MND. Find out more at www.mndassociation.org/researchnews

Read all the latest news on our News Page

-Download our latest News Letter plus opportunities to help your local branch.

Also, to receive a copy of 'The News' just log on to: www.mndassociation.org/thenews

Changes at the Very Top

During 2008 we heard that The Duchess of York wished to stand down as our Royal Patron due to various other commitments but were delighted to hear that HRH The Princess Royal was pleased to take on this role. There were other changes in that Lembit Opik MP stood down as President, the role he agreed to undertake for two years. He will continue his work for the Association in the new role as Chair of Patrons. Prof. Colin Blakemore is now the Association President and he is one of the UK’s most influential and respected scientists.

Full information of our new Patrons can be found in The News – October 2008.

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Read Colin Knight's Story

Colin Knight agreed to be interviewed by a local paper about his experience with MND. The article was published in the Luton edition of the Times and Citizen and you can see the article and a video of his interview by clicking the following link:

http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/todays-choice/VIDEO-Living-with-motor-neurone.5168392.jp

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The MNDA ONLINE SHOP is currently closed. We apologise for any inconvenience.

mndconnect@mndassociation.org

MND Connect is more than just a helpline. MND Connect offers people access to a quick route to get advice, practical and emotional support and directing to other services and agencies. This is a service for:

People living with MND
Carers
Family members
Health and Social Care Professionals
MND Association staff and volunteers.

MND Connect is available 9am to 5pm and 7pm to 10.30pm Mondays to Fridays. Calls charged at local rate.

Thinking of Christmas already?

If you are at all artisition

If you are at all artistic then look up The News – December 2008. In this you will find details for the 30th Anniversary Christmas Card Design Competition

Last Updated

January 24, 2010 9:14 PM

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Registered Office: Motor Neurone Disease Association, David Niven House, 10-15 Notre Dame Mews, Northampton, NN1 2BG
Telephone: 01604 250505, Registered Charity Number: 294354