Local MSP Brian Whittle has welcomed confirmation from the UK Government that it is providing £50 million in funding for research into new treatments for Motor Neurone Disease.
The UK Government initially made the pledge last year and have now confirmed that the funding will shortly be distributed to the projects whose bids were successful.
The announcement comes shortly after the death of Scottish rugby legend and MND campaigner Doddie Weir, who fought the illness for six years and raised millions of pounds to fund research through his My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Brian, who recently urged the UK and Scottish Governments to do more to find a cure for MND in the wake of Doddie’s death, believes the announcement represents a major step forward for MND research and will help take us closer to a cure.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“This funding from the UK Government is a huge step forward for MND research and another great legacy of the campaigning efforts of Doddie Weir and other MND sufferers before him.
This £50 million, together with all the other funds raised by MND groups like the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation will help to bring a cure closer and give those living with MND new hope.
Campaigners like Doddie Weir and Gordon Aikman have done so much to raise the profile of MND, inspiring thousands of people to raise funds and pushing our governments to deliver greater support for those with the condition.
I’m delighted with this new funding, but there’s still more to do if we’re to find a cure for this devastating condition.
I’m determined to keep fighting for more support from the UK and Scottish Governments for those with MND and other neurological conditions and I hope people across South Scotland will help by continuing to raise funds and keep the pressure on politicians like me.”
