Civic Head raises over £5,000 for Motor Neuron charity
24 May 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Councillor Ian Hutchinson has donated a total of £5,278 towards a Motor Neuron Disease charity which was raised during his time as the Civic Head of Northumberland County Council.
Each year the incoming Civic Head of the council nominates one or more charities which they promote and fundraise for during their term of office. Cllr Hutchinson chose to support My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, which was set up by former Scottish international rugby player Doddie Weir who is suffering from the terrible disease.
Cllr Hutchinson organised various fundraising events prior to the pandemic and lockdowns. These included a sponsored race night, a sponsored walk, a Christmas fair, a choir night as well as raffles and donations.
He said: “Motor Neuron is a cruel and devastating disease for which there is currently no cure. I have been amazed by the fundraising efforts of Doddie and his continued bravery in fighting this brutal disease. I, like so many others, wanted to play my part in supporting such an important cause.
“I hope that this contribution will assist in a small way in research for a cure and I thank everyone sincerely for supporting me in raising funds and their kind and generous contributions.”
In 2016, Northumberland County Council became the first local authority in the north to adopt the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Charter.
The council is a key service provider for people with MND and its adoption of the charter signalled a clear commitment to transform lives, by working with other organisations to support those who are living with the disease and their carers.
The five-point charter was launched to improve people’s understanding of the disease as well as the care and support on offer, by coordinating efforts and improving local standards of care.