Former schools inspector launches MND campaign

Chris Woodhead, the former chief inspector of schools, has launched a major campaign to improve government action for motor neurone disease (MND) such as the quality of life and dignity in death of people with the condition.

Mr Woodhead, who was diagnosed with MND in 2006, is working with the MND Association in appealing for people to pledge their support online at mnd2010.org and demand that the government finally produce a national strategy for the disease.

Chief executive of the MND Association Dr Kirstine Knox said: "This campaign comes after decades of failure to properly address the needs of people with MND in an appropriate, timely and equitable way."

She added that with there never being any form of official national guidance on how to treat and care for those with MND, the time is now for people to take action.

At the moment, the MND Association is working with the legacy of Mike Gregory - one of rugby league's biggest stars who died from MND in 2007 - to draw the attention of rugby fans to the disease, following the charity's support from his family.

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