The Local Branch

The Branch exists to provide help and support to people with MND and people living with MND in the Luton and South Bedfordshire area.

The Association'sNational Office can provide a wide range of loan equipment such as riser armchairs and suction machines. Often, more specific items are required, which is where the local Branch can help. We arrange the supply of small items of equipment or help with the funding of larger items.

Within the Branch we have an Association Visitor who will come along to discuss your specific needs and recommend the help that we can provide. They can also suggest other organisations that can be useful.

A Brief History

In 1988 two ladies from Luton, Charlotte and Linda, unknown to each other, contacted the MND National Office in Northampton asking for details of any support group in or near Luton. Both ladies had been horrified by the relentless nature of this disease and wished to help others suffering from this problem. In Charlotte’s case it came after the event as her father had died of the disease, in Linda’s case her husband was confined to a wheelchair but could talk clearly.

The MND National Office introduced them to each other and said there was no support group in Bedfordshire and asked if they wanted to start one. Both ladies agreed to this. Linda, a member of Central Baptist Church Luton, took the problem to the minister who suggested holding a public meeting in the church and publicising the event. The National Office would also help with publicity and send an information/recruitment team to specify what is required to satisfy the care needs of people with MND and assistance to the carers.

The public meeting was duly held and attracted a large audience, including a high percentage of people in various stages of the disease with their carers. Also present were members of the public, church members and some health care professionals. Several short documentary films were shown and various experts gave outlines of the disease and the care required. The recruiting team began their task to inspire people to be involved with the operation and management of the branch. After some high pressure arm twisting and cajoling a committee was formed.

The first decision had to be the name of the group, clearly it could not be Luton or Bedfordshire as the interested parties present, those with MND, came from a 20-30 mile radius of Luton which included Beds, Buck and Herts. After various suggestions from the floor the name ‘Chiltern Group’ was adopted and the Branch became active.

The first request to our group was for a heated tray to keep food and drink warm for a patient with swallowing difficulties. He was unusually young at 17 years; the onset of the disease is normally late middle age. Many other requests were received including breathing aids, communication aids, building alterations and respite care. Some were fully financed and some part financed

The group lasted two years at Central Baptist Church followed by another Church, a Scout Hut and a Day Centre. We have finally established the Group at the Pasque Hospice in Luton which has excellent facilities for disabled people.

As other groups started up in the counties around us, including northern Bedfordshire, so our catchment area decreased and the name Chiltern Group was inappropriate, therefore the name changed to Luton & South Beds.