A CHESHIRE charity has called on greater financial support for residents affected by motor neurone disease (MND).

Research commissioned by the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association found families struggling with the financial impact of MND – some are wiping out their savings to get support, or going without because they can’t afford it.

The amounts people have to spend can vary hugely but on average, life with MND is costing an extra £12,000 a year, before loss of earnings.

Those living with children and those of working age are likely to incur even higher costs.

Members of the MND Association Cheshire branch have joined the national MND Costs campaign and are calling for better access to the financial support people with MND need.

“Until now this issue has been largely hidden,” MND Association volunteer Richard Webb said.

“It’s really important that all politicians and decision makers understand that life with MND is tough enough, without being pushed into financial hardship.

“The massive financial impact of MND is having devastating effects on families who are struggling to cope.

“I know of people in Cheshire who have been obliged to borrow large sums, in excess of £60,000, to finance necessary alterations to their house as CWAC could not do the work for two years under a grant.

“Another, in Cheshire East, completed the alterations only for the patient to die within a month of completion.

“Making money available quickly is imperative with this condition.”

Mike Amesbury, MP for Weaver Vale, recently met with a number of Cheshire residents affected by the disease.

He said: “MND is a truly devastating condition affecting families not only emotionally and physically, but financially too.

“It is vital that we work to ensure people with MND get the right support, in the right place, and at the right time.”