Leeds grandmother with MND stars in national awareness campaign
“We wanted this campaign to give a platform to people with the disease to tell their stories”
A grandmother from Leeds is sharing her story in a new national awareness campaign to highlight the devastating impact of motor neurone disease (MND).
Tahira Chaudhry is one of the faces of the MND Association’s new campaign, Life stripped away, which will see her story featured on billboards across England, Wales and Northern Ireland during October.
The campaign aims to show how MND strips away the everyday activities, independence and passions that people value most. For Tahira, a lover of gardening and nature, MND has taken away much of her ability to fulfil the passions she once enjoyed.
What began as a sensation of something stuck in her throat led to Tahira’s devastating diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) in 2018.
Since her diagnosis,the 78-year-old can’t get out of the house independently, so her once daily walks in nature are no longer possible without support. MND leaves people locked in a failing body, unable to move, talk and eventually breathe. When asked about her inspiration to get involved, Tahira typed into her communication device,
Tahira said: “I hope this campaign reaches far and wide and just makes people stop for a second, think and reflect, perhaps even be grateful for what they have and then raise awareness.”
MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing neurological disease. Today six people will be diagnosed with MND, and six people will die from the disease. There is no cure.
Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the MND Association improves access to care, funds research and campaigns for people affected by MND. In local communities, including across Yorkshire, dedicated volunteers provide practical and emotional support to people living with the disease and those closest to them.
Through Life Stripped Away, the MND Association hopes more people will understand the reality of living with MND and the everyday moments and passions the disease takes away from people like Tahira.
Richard Evans, director of engagement at the MND Association, said: “What we have learned over the last few years is that when the public understands the reality of MND, they want to do what they can to support people with it. And in keeping with us as a charity that has people affected by MND at the heart of its work, we wanted this campaign to give a platform to people with the disease to tell their stories.”