Every year, Horse of the Year Show choose our Official Charity of the Year. After much deliberation of the many worthy causes to consider, we are proud to announce our partnership with The MND Association; a charity that, amongst many other missions, champions the search for a cure for Motor Neurone Disease.
Motor Neurone Disease is a fatal condition that deteriorates the nerves responsible for controlling muscle movement. The messages sent from motor neurones will gradually cease to reach muscles, leading to weakness, stiffening and wastage. Movement is affected, as well as the ability to talk, eat, drink and even breathe. The disease is ultimately unpredictable, as progression symptoms can vary between cases.
This condition has a 1 in 300 risk of developing in any person during a lifetime, and affects up to 5,000 adults in the country at any one time. There are four main types of Motor Neurone Disease, and it is unclear what factors cause development – research suggests that a number of genetic, environmental and lifestyle risk factors can ‘tip the balance’.
At present, there is no cure. However, The MND Association is spearheading the fight to change this. With over £21 million in grants to a research portfolio, as well as offering vital services to those living with MND such as branches and support groups, helplines, financial aid and fundraising campaigns. The charity is invaluable in not only searching for a cure, but offering those affected by Motor Neurone Disease the support and advocacy that might otherwise be unattainable.
Motor Neurone Disease is indiscriminate, and so many people across the UK, including friends and family of the show, are affected by this condition. This is why Horse of the Year Show is honoured to partner with The MND Association for 2024. To find out more, visit their website at www.mndassociation.org.
ENDS
For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2024, please contact Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd.
Tel: 02476858205 Email: press@hoys.co.uk
