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“In support of MNDA Oxford”
About
Jill Garner tells why she has got
involved
Six years ago if someone had asked me about
MND I would have struggled to come up with a
sensible answer. I will admit that even now I am
still rather ignorant, and that my ignorance for a
long while was down to cowardice.
I knew it wasn’t going to be good news and I
couldn’t bring myself to learn about this
horrid disease which was going to hurt my
wonderful loving Father and family. I have since
taken a positive, and I may even say selfish step,
of joining the local MNDA Branch here in
Oxfordshire, as a Volunteer Fundraiser.
The fantastic positivity of those people who
dedicate their free time to helping, campaigning
for and supporting those suffering with MND and
their carers, is infectious and energising. Since
October last year, I have had the pleasure
of working with these incredible people many of
who I feel I can now call friends. They have
provided me with a positive way of looking at
this horrible illness, of finding a way to pull
together as a small community and bring
moments of joy and happiness to those whose
lives are affected by MND.
It is still early days and at the moment I feel I am
being carried along by the fantastic people out
there who want to do as much as they can to
fundraise or raise awareness.
I have a few challenges of my own to come
hough, with the Happy Valley Festival on 17th
June (same date as my Fathers birthday
surprisingly enough!) Childrey Festival, 1st July
and a charity quiz in August, oh and helping to
organise a Barn Dance, in September. So I will
definitely be busy. I love it. Anything I can do to
feel like I am helping in any small way is good.
Good for those with MND, Good for their
families, and Good for Me! If you have ever
thought, even for a moment about joining your
local MNDA Branch, either formally,
or just to bake a cake then don’t hesitate!
A very successful Wantage Zumbathon
Jill and another keen fundraiser Lynne Harrison
supported the event. They are key members of
the newly formed branch fundraising group.
On the 5th May 2017, the Formula 1 Williams
head office in Wantage came alive with the
sound of salsa music. Was this a new keep fit
incentive for the Williams drivers? Had Nigel
Mansell taken up a new pastime? Or had we been
invaded by the Italian Grand Prix? Nope!
A lovely lady called Maria Collins and a number
of her friends and family, decided to arrange a
ZUMBATHON for 3 hours to raise money for three
charities close to their earts, MNDA, Spinal
Injuries Association (SIA) and Special Effects. In
June 2016, Maria’s sister in law was diagnosed
with MND so Maria decided that she would
undertake this challenge to raise awareness and
money for the charity which was so close to her
heart. And she and her friends did a fantastic
effort, raising around £1500 (just for the MND)
which is amazing. Well done to Maria, and her
friends and family for a wonderful day!!!
