A CHARITY with its roots in the Lake District is playing a major role in fundraising for clinical trials which could find a cure for motor neurone disease (MND).

The Association for the Independence of Disabled People (AID) was founded by Paul and Ruth Adorian of Windermere after she contracted the devastating disease which attacks the nerves of the brain and spinal cord.

It has left the former business director unable to walk or speak and she now requires round-the-clock care.

The couple are throwing their full support behind the bid to rid the world of the disease by teaming up with researchers at Lancaster University.

More than £80,000 has already been raised by AID but the trial, to be held at Royal Preston Hospital, is likely to cost at least £450,000 to complete.

Paul, who is managing director of AID, said: “The sooner we are able to raise the necessary funds, the sooner the researchers can move forward with their plans to set up the trial.

“AID has already raised more than £80,000 in the county of Cumbria alone and we are confident that over a wider geographical area the full amount can be found for this innovative research.”

Consultant neurologist Dr Hedley Emsley, of the Royal Preston Hospital, and Professor Christian H?lscher, a leading researcher in neurodegenerative disease at Lancaster University, aim to conduct clinical trials on patients with MND utilising liraglutide, the market-leading diabetes drug.

This follows earlier research suggesting the drug may protect neurones from damage.

The work of Professor H?lscher recently made headlines with the announcement of research findings which have led to the planned launch of a trial of the drug liraglutide in Alzheimer’s disease.

Prof H?lscher said: “There are likely to be common cellular processes occurring across different neurodegenerative diseases. Laboratory studies indicate that liraglutide may also offer promise in slowing the progression of conditions like MND.

“There are up to 5,000 people in the UK suffering from MND and many thousands more worldwide. There is an urgent need to find effective treatments for this devastating condition.”

Motor neurone disease is a progressive degenerative disorder of motor neurones that leads to weakness of key muscles, including those responsible for gripping, walking, speaking, swallowing and breathing. In most cases, survival is only three to five years from the onset of symptoms. There is currently no cure or effective treatment.

Donate at www.disabledday.org; by internet bank transfer payable to AID, Sort Code 20-45-28, Account No. 53690385 or by cheque made payable to AID MND Trial Fund.