There's no cure for motor neurone disease (MND), which means any funds raised will make a big difference to the people who suffer from it, as well as the patient's family and friends.
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And a recent trivia fundraiser at Paddy's Hotel, on April 6, did its bit to tackle the disease, raising $40,000, with organiser Janine Graham hoping to reach $50,000 when further donations are collected.
Ms Graham's partner Tony Campbell has MND, being diagnosed with the disease 12 months ago.
Mr Campbell was previously the owner of Bathurst Batteries, but had to sell the business when he diagnosed.
Ms Graham had to give up her job too, to look after her partner.
"It's a terrible thing to watch a family member go through," she said.
"It's hard to find a cure for MND because we don't know a lot about it."
On the trivia night, which saw 280 people attend, $20,000 was raised. As well, Bathurst Automotive Group, Bathurst Motors and Western Plains Automotive made a joint donation $20,000, for a total of $40,000 on the night.
Money will also be collected from people who choose to donate their money from recycled cans and bottles at the Return and Earn on Upfold Street.
Money raised will be donated to the Professor Dominic Rowe Research Clinic at Macquarie University, which is trying to find a cure to MND.
As well, money will also be donated to the MND Association of NSW, which will be used for patient care.
If you would like to make a donation, the bank account details are: BSB is 882000, account number 300016553 is and reference BMND. If a receipt is required, contact Ms Graham on 0417 497 218.
What is motor neurone disease (MND)?
- MND is the name given to a group of diseases in which the nerve cells, or neurones, controlling the muscles that enable us to move, speak, breathe and swallow, undergo degeneration and die.
- Early symptoms of MND may include stumbling, difficulty holding objects, slurring of speech, swallowing difficulties, cramps and muscle twitching.
- There is currently no cure for MND, but a medication has been approved in Australia for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common form of MND.
- The causes of motor neurone disease are not yet known.
- While the body is affected, the mind remains unaffected.
- One of the most famous people diagnosed with MND is the late Stephen Hawking, who was a theoretical physicist, cosmologist and author. Even after the loss of his speech, he was still able to communicate through a speech-generating device. He was diagnosed with the disease in 1963, with doctors, at the time, giving him a life expectancy of two years. He passed away in March, 2018, at the age of 76.