BORDERS' MP, John Lamont, has urged Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, to speed up the delivery of the £50m package for MND research which was recently announced by the UK Government.
During Health and Social Care questions in the House of Commons, Mr Lamont highlighted the urgency to deliver funding, stating that ‘time is of the essence’ for people living with motor neurone disease.
He also took the opportunity to highlight the fantastic campaign work of Doddie Weir OBE and his foundation in securing the funding.
The UK Government announced the new funding package in November of last year. This will fund new projects that will help researchers better understand MND and improve care for those living with the condition.
A new National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) unit will also be set up to help encourage more innovative studies into the disease with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.
It came following a campaign by the Daily Express newspaper, MND Scotland, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, researchers, MND patients, and a number of MPs, including John Lamont.
In response to the question, the Health Secretary commended Mr Lamont for his work in securing the funding. He also highlighted that work ‘has already started to…to co-ordinate research applications’.
After the session in Parliament, John Lamont MP said: “In the Borders, we are very proud of the work of Doddie Weir and his foundation in fundraising millions of pounds and raising awareness about this terrible disease.
“It was therefore fantastic news when this new £50m funding from the UK government was announced after a concerted campaign from a range of organisations.
“However, it is important that we do not lose momentum and that this funding is delivered as soon as possible so our fantastic scientists can get on with finding a cure.
“I am determined to work with My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to keep up the pressure on the Health Secretary to get this funding out the door.”
Medical Strategy Lead at My Name’5 Doddie Foundation Sean McGrath, said: "We're very grateful to Mr Lamont for his continued support of our campaign to secure more funds for MND research. Whilst we appreciate the Government's £50m of funding, it is our duty to MND patients to make sure this money is forthcoming - quickly - and is used in the most efficient way.
“Our leading UK scientists are confident that the first-ever effective treatment for MND is possible within the next few years if research is backed by the funding it needs, so we won't stop in our pursuit of this goal."
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