Motor neurone disease (MND) is a progressive muscle-wasting disease, with symptoms getting worse over time. It is life-shortening and there is currently no cure.

Although MND affects people differently, it reduces the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. In some cases, it can also change the way people think and behave. The cause is still unknown, despite much extensive and ongoing research.

There is a one in 300 chance of contracting MND, and at any one time there are 5,000 adults living with it in the UK alone.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), is a charity close to the hearts of two Peterborough Freemasons - WBro Clive Lane, who is living with the disease, and WBro Alan Nicholls, whose wife Barbara is similarly affected.

Although these two men have known each other through Freemasonry for many years, it was a chance conversation in 2018 which led them to realise each other's circumstances and appreciation of the support and care afforded by MNDA.

With this in mind, earlier this year they decided to launch an appeal within the local Masonic community to benefit the charity and raise awareness of this unforgiving disease.

As a result, Freemasons’ Lodges in Peterborough have donated £2,400 to the appeal, which has been recognised by the Provincial Grand Charity in authorising a further significant contribution culminating in a total sum of £5,000.

At a socially distanced gathering on Tuesday the 22nd September 2020, WBro Clive and WBro Alan presented a cheque to MNDA representative, Simon Crooke. Also in attendance were WBro Mark Constant (Assistant Provincial Grand Master) and WBro Jonathon Hibbins (Provincial Senior Grand Warden), both members of the Provincial Grand Charity committee.

Alan commented:

In light of our personal experiences we wished to show our gratitude for the care received thus far, and in the future, by attempting to raise funds to support the MNDA in their endeavours. Our area is covered by the Cambridgeshire branch of the charity and we are indebted to the Peterborough Lodges and Provincial Charity who supported us in our fundraising.

Clive added:

We are overwhelmed at such a magnificent response to our appeal in the Peterborough area and the support given by the Provincial Charity. We would also like to thank those lodges beyond our province with whom we have an association, who have separately donated a further £1,500.

On behalf of MNDA, Simon thanked the Freemasons for their exceptionally generous donation which, in these constrained times, is especially welcome and appreciated.