Welcome to the Hertfordshire Branch

Welcome to the Hertfordshire branch of the MND Association. We are here to provide you, your family and the community a broad range of support, as you live with this disease.

This includes friendship, access to various resources, regular contact opportunities, fundraising activities and support for National campaigns highlighting awareness of and the impact of MND. 

The MND Association Hertfordshire Branch Logo

The Branch is run entirely by volunteers and provides a vital link between the National Association and the local Hertfordshire community. Our aim is to make a positive difference to people affected by MND by:

  • Visiting with those living with MND, providing support and information to you and your carers.

Trained Association Visitors attached to the Branch provide personal and direct contact with those living with MND.  They offer support, help, and guidance to those living with MND and their families. They can help with navigating the way through the health and social care system.

  • Fundraising to pay for equipment not provided elsewhere, and to contribute to things that provide quality of life such as transport, therapies or holiday costs.
  • Raising awareness of the disease through the local media, our newsletters and this website.
  • Playing an active part in networking and building relationships locally with health and social care professionals, to influence and improve services for people with MND.
  • Holding regular, informal Open Meetings where people with MND, their carers and families have various opportunities to meet other people living with the disease and share experiences.

If you are interested in volunteering with us to help make a difference to people living with MND in Hertfordshire, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If you are living with MND or are a family member/carer, we are able to provide support and advice – please get in touch.

Contact Details:

For those living in North Herts (north of Hatfield), please contact Christine Carter:

Email- [email protected].  Tel:   01462 883450/07935 724384

For those living in South Herts (south of Hatfield), please contact Hetty Smith:

Email - [email protected].  Tel:   01462 630195/07930 462870

Fundraising

We enjoy raising funds for our local Branch to help with the care of local people affected by MND and to provide support for carers and families. 

A variety of fund-raising activities have been carried out throughout the years, including :

- Collections at local supermarkets and train stations

- Street collections in local towns

- Bric-a-brac Stalls

- Attendance at local events, such as Stevenage Day

- Quiz Nights

- Musical Concerts

Recent news

 
Lauren Petchell, the daughter of one of our people living with MND, has an MND place to run the London Marathon in April 2025. After witnessing the devastating effects of MND on her father, she is looking to raise money for both the Hertfordshire branch of the MNDA, but also the national association too. 
A group of MNDA supporters holding an MNDA banner
 
Lauren has already undertaken two  major fundraising event to raise money for the MND Association, the first being a sky dive in 2017 which raised over £4,700, the second being the Brighton Marathon in April of this year which raised £3,600, so when she was offered a charity place for the London Marathon she knew she couldn't rely on donations alone, so set to plan some fundraising events. 
 
Her dad has sadly been living with the condition since 2015, and before he was diagnosed was a keen golfer so a charity golf day made perfect sense as her first event. With the help of her family, she ran the golf day on Friday October 25th at Stocks Golf Club, and hosted 64 golfers! The day was a huge success massively down to the generosity of a few people/ companies she would like to thank:
 
  • Star Platforms and Richard Miller for their generous sponsorship.
  • Stocks Golf Club for allowing the use the course and discounting their green fees. 
  • The Old Town Golf Shop in Hemel for giving a discount on all  competition prizes
  • The Golf Clubs who donated an auction prize which made £1725 on the day!
  • All the golfers for supporting the event. 
 
In total the day raised a staggering £5,771 which is amazing and is going towards her Just Giving page at the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lauren-petchell-1720549287058?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Flauren-petchell-1720549287058&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share
 

Molly takes on Brighton Marathon for MND Association

MND is an incredibly cruel disease that strips those affected of their independence and changes peoples lives forever. 

Molly Skyes is no stranger to the effects of MND following her dad's diagnosis of MND back in 2022, but despite the impacts of the disease, he has shown an admirable level of strength and resilience, and has inspired Molly to raise funds to help us in the fight against MND.

Looking to raise funds for the MND Association and the Hertfordshire branch, Molly is taking on the 2025 Brighton marathon, and is asking for donations to support her inspiring fundraiser. 

To find out more, and to donate, please click here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/molly-sykes-1722456568491?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fmolly-sykes-1722456568491&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

Inspiring fundraiser for the London Marathon 2025

Lauren Petchell, the daughter of one of our people living with MND, has an MND place to run the London Marathon in April 2025. After witnessing the devestating effects of MND on her father, she is looking to raise money for both the Hertforshire branch of the MNDA, but also the national association too. 

If you'd be able to support her fundraiser, we would be incredibly grateful for your support. 

To find out more, and to donate, please click here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lauren-petchell-1720549287058?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Flauren-petchell-1720549287058&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

Real Tennis fundraiser 

A flyer detailing the information of the real tennis fundraiser

A Real Tennis charity match is being held on Sunday 24th November from 11:00 - 16:30 at Hatfield House Real Tennis courts to raise proceeds for the MND Association. 

If you're able to donate, we would be incredibly grateful for your support. 

Upcoming Events 

Upcoming Meeting

Hertfordshire Branch Meeting

A picture of the exterior of the Three Horseshoes Pub.
No further meetings for 2024 11:00
The Three Horseshoes, Watton-at-stone, SG14 3RY
Each month the Hertfordshire branch holds its North Herts branch meeting, where our committee members and those part of the community come together to discuss topics within the branch. These meetings are held at the Three Horseshoes pub, Watton-at-stone, although occasionally they may be held online. For more information, please contact: [email protected].
Upcoming Event

Get Together

An image of the exterior of the Boxmoor Trust
4th December 14:00
Boxmoor Trust
Held on the first Wednesday of each month, our Get Togethers are a perfect opportunity for those living with MND, including their family and friends, to get to know other people in the community who are also affected by the challenges of MND. The Get Together will take place at: Box Moor Trust Centre, London Road, Hemel Hempstead HP1 2RE (as pictured). For more information contact: Lesley Ralston via [email protected].
Upcoming Meeting

Daytime Group

Tea and newspapers
19th November, 17th December 11:00
Zoom
Hosted on every 3rd Tuesday of the month is our Daytime group, where those who are affected by MND can join to meet other people in the community and speak with our volunteers on Zoom. For more information, please contact: [email protected]
Upcoming Meeting

South East Coffee and Chat - Carers Only

Motor Neurone Disease Association bunting
3rd December 11:00
Zoom
Held on the first Tuesday of every month is our South East coffee and chat for carers. If you're a carer for someone living with MND, you are welcome to join our online Zoom meeting every month. For more information, please contact: [email protected]
Upcoming Meeting

Evening Carers Group

laptop with website
27th November 18:30
Zoom
Held online on Zoom, our Evening Carers Group offers carers of those living with MND a chance to meet with other carers and our volunteers on the last Wednesday of every month. For more information, please contact: [email protected]

Past Events 

Past Event

Variety Express' Scary Fairy Tale

MNDA Hertfordshire volunteers presented with cheque by Variety Express on stage
31 October - 3 November 14:00 & 19:30
St Francis' Theatre, Letchworth Garden City
We are thrilled to have been chosen again as one of Variety Express' charities this year, with their upcoming performance in aid of the MNDA We were thrilled to have been chosen again as one of Variety Express' charities this year, when their  performance in aid of the MNDA Hertfordshire branch, and Young Carers Crew,  The Scary Fairy Tale halloween musical will took place in October at the St Francis Theatre, Letchworth. We are very grateful for the cheque received for £3000 which was presented to committee member, Grant Cameron.

Coffee raises money for MND Association 

Helen Ruggles, Christine Charter and Debbie Newbound stood together in front of a MND Association banner following a bake sale fundraiser
Debbie Newbound, Christine Carter and Helen Ruggles
We are happy to say that the Wellbeing Coffee Morning held on the 28th September was a fantastic success, thanks to our amazing fundraisers and volunteers. 
 
Organised by Debbie Newbound, a parish nurse at St Thomas Church, and 96 cupcakes baked by local fundraiser Helen Ruggles, £188.00 was raised for the branch, with the MP for Luton North Sarah Owen sharing her support.
 
The money raised will help us support the people and families in Hertfordshire who are affected by MND, so we would like to say a big thank you to our MND Association volunteers for their incredible efforts.
 

MNDA Hertfordshire's recent talks

We were delighted to be invited to give two talks recently when we talked about the work of the MND nationally in terms of research, campaigning and care, the disease itself and the work we do in our branch.

The first talk was on 7th September to the Men’s Breakfast Club of St. Mary’s Church, Hatfield where we joined 30 members of the Club for breakfast before giving our talk.  This was arranged as one of their club members was a close friend of Aaron Starkey – a lot of fundraising has been done in memory of Aaron.

The second talk was on 10th September to the Fellowship Group of St. Mary’s The Virgin Church in Welwyn.  Here we were joined again by about 30 members of the Group.  We were asked to give this talk as a member of the group lived with MND, dying just months after diagnosis.  This time we were treated to a wonderful tea.  Various members made donations on the day and the group donated £50 as well.

Nearly £2k raised for Herts MNDA at Woolyfest Music Festival 

Jackie Castle and Phil Corke started the Woolyfest Music Festival at the Red Lion in Woolmer Green some years ago, and this year have donated £1,900 to Herts MNDA, raised in memory of Aaron Starkey. 

The cheque was presented to Aaron's wife, Claire and our Committee Member, Grant. The funds were raised at the annual festival held in July where MND was one of the three supported charities. An amazing fundraiser from what was, by all accounts, a fantastic community event.

MNDA and Woolyfest volunteers stand presenting a cheque

Guiness world record holder living with MND looks to smash two new records

An inspiring swimmer who is living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is looking to secure two Guinness World Records in two countries in just one day when he takes part in a special event in September. 

Mark O'Brian in training

Mark O'Brien, from Bedfordshire, has previously broken a Guinness World Record by taking part in a five-and-a-half-hour open water swim spanning 11km and raised £17,000 for the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Motor Neurone Disease Association branches, and will take part in two sprint events on September 1. 

The first of the two events is a 50m freestyle at Inspire Luton Sports Village in the morning, followed by a 100m freestyle at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin, Ireland, in the afternoon. 

Mark, who holds dual citizenship in the UK and Ireland, is aiming to become the record holder for the fastest swims for a person with MND and will be raising money for the MND Association, Challenging MND and the Irish MND Association at the same time.

He explained: 

"Having been diagnosed with MND, a terminal illness that affects the brain, muscles, and nerves, leading to respiratory failure, I've faced immense challenges. 
With my family, friends, and support from the MND associations in the UK and Ireland, and the charity Challenging MND, I've emerged from the darkest time of my life. 
My mission now, outside of fundraising for these amazing charities, is to highlight the mental health impact of terminal illness and the positive effects of challenging oneself."

Sharon King, the MND Association’s Senior Regional Fundraiser said: 

"We are deeply honoured to support Mark once again and are overwhelmed by his remarkable dedication and resilience in facing such a formidable challenge. 

His unwavering commitment to raising awareness and funds is truly inspiring, embodying the relentless spirit needed in the fight against MND. Mark’s efforts are nothing short of amazing, and we are profoundly grateful for his support."


Diagnosed with MND in March 2022, Mark has been inspired by the likes of Rob Burrow and Alex Gibson to raise awareness and encourage increased funding for MND charities. 

Mark's mission is to make a difference with the time he has left and never give up until his last breath. With his condition deteriorating, Mark is determined to try and still make a difference.

The Hertfordshire Branch is immensely grateful for the generous support he has provided, and is inspired by his incredible determination. 

We send all our best wishes to Mark as he takes on his next challenge. 
 

MNDA Hertfordshire nominated charity for Classics On The Common

 
Jenny Fellas, Association Visitor in South Herts, Grant Cameron and Hetty Smith, Hertfordshire branch Committee Members, spent the day at the annual Classics on the Common event in Harpenden on 24th July. 
Jenny Fellas, Association Visitor in south Herts, Hetty Smith and Grant Cameron, committee members from the Herts branch
 
Thanks to Jenny's contacts at the Rotary Club, Harpenden who hold this event annually, we were nominated as one of three charities chosen this year to receive a share of the proceeds from the day.  
 
Over 855 classic cars and 100 motorbikes came on to the Common and it was quite a spectacle.   
 
The event raised over £28,000 of which £7800 has been donated to us.  Kent Allen-Chair, Hetty Smith-Fundraising Coordinator and Jenny Fellas-Association Visitor attended a presentation evening on 23rd October when we outlined how the money will be spent.
 
Various MND Association volunteered being presented with an envelope following a fundraiser.

Rainy weather didn't stop our annual Walk To D'feet from being a success

Volunteers and walkers at Stanborough Lakes holding umbrellas for the Hertfordshire branch's annual walk to d'feet.

On Saturday 6th July, MND Association volunteers and members of the public took to Stanborough Park in Welwyn Garden City to take part in the MND Association Hertfordshire branch's annual Walk To D'feet.

Walk To D'feet's are all about raising awareness and funds for MND, and everyone who takes part is playing a part in tackling MND. 

Despite the unfortunate weather, 42 people attended and were all in good spirit, and helped to raise funds for the Hertfordshire branch to allow us to continue our work in helping those affected by MND in the local community.

We want to thank all of those who attended and supported us. 

Herts Baseball Club's Record-Breaking Charity Day 

Committee member Hetty throwing a baseball on the pitch

On Sunday, 2nd June, Hertfordshire residents and businesses joined members of the baseball community in support of Motor Neurone Disease research and the local MND Association Hertfordshire branch, where £1388.64 was raised from a charity event organised by Herts Baseball Club, at a sunny Grovehill Ballpark in Hemel Hempstead. 

June 2nd is a significant date for Major League Baseball (MLB), as America's top professional league marks Lou Gehrig Day each year in honour of the former Yankees star player who had MND. However, this date will now also mark the day the association's late patron Rob Burrow lost his fight with MND. 

We are immensely grateful to Peter Hogg, the organiser of the event, and Michael Cresswell, Club President for their support of our branch.  Herts Baseball Club plans to make Lou Gehrig Day an annual event when they hope to inspire other international clubs, players, and fans to get involved and make next year even bigger and we, at the branch, look forward to supporting the next event.

Past Fundraiser

Bake sale at Granello Lounge

Christine and Helen stood outside Granello Lounge in front of a table of cakes.
28th June
Granello Lounge
In June, Granello Lounge and Helen Ruggles held a bake sale in aid of the MND Association which raised an incredible £270.10 for the Hertfordshire Branch. Christine Carter, Hertfordshire branch committee member, collected the generous donations that will help us support local people affected by MND. For Helen, the motivation to get involved in this fundraiser was incredibly personal. Her mother, Christine Belcher, a former NHS midwife from Leicester, sadly died following a diagnosis of MND. Her experience with MND has driven her to want to make a difference to those affected by MND in the local community, and will be holding another bake sale in aid of the MND Association in September. We'd like to say a huge thank you to Maisie and her team at Granello Lounge for hosting the bake sale, and Helen for providing some delicious cakes for people to enjoy.
Past Event

Walk to D'Feet

group of people walking outside
06/07/2024
Join us for our Walk To D'Feet at Stanborough Lakes on July 6th 2024! The Walk to D'Feet MND will take place at Stanborough Lakes, Welwyn, and will have a route that is suitable for all walkers, including wheelchair users, and those with dogs. Donations of £10 per person would be appreciated, or £20 for a family of 4. For more information contact: [email protected]
Donations

We're Rickmansworth Townswomen's Guild's charity of the year

A group of MND Association volunteers standing holding a cheque.
The Rickmansworth Townswomen’s Guild chose the Hertfordshire branch as their charity for the year. Lesley Ralston, Association Visitor, was invited along to their recent AGM to receive a cheque for £2850.58 for the branch, £500.00 of which will be going towards research. The cheque was presented to Lesley by the Chairman, Margaret West (left), and Almoner Frances McMurray (right). Many thanks to them for choosing the MND Association's Hertfordshire branch as the charity of the year.
Past event

2024 Hertfordshire Branch Get Together

A headshot of Tanya Curry, CEO of the MND Association.
Thursday 23rd May 14:00
THE RED LION, 88 GREAT NORTH ROAD, HATFIELD AL9 5EU
We're having a special get together this year and we'd love you to come along. The Hertfordshire branch will be joined by Tanya Curry, Chief Executive of the UK MND Association, and the event will offer up the chance to learn about all the key initiatives, progress and plans for 2024 and beyond. There will be opportunities to ask questions and interact with Tanya, whilst meeting up with others from across Hertfordshire. for more information please contact Christine on: 01462 883450/07935 724384.
Past Event

JJK Fundraiser

Top Left – Justine Co - Area Support Coordinator and Kent Alle - Chair Top Right – Kent, Kim Davies (wife of David Davies) and their son, Harrison Bottom Right – from l-r – Kim Davies, Joe Kelly-Director of JJK Fitness, Kent, Justine & Hetty Smith. Bottom Right- winning team receiving the David Davies cup.
JJK Fitness, Kings Langley
Our chairman, Kent Allen, committee member, Hetty Smith, and Area Support Coordinator, Justine Cox, were delighted to attend JJK Fitness in Kings Langley‘s 3rd fundraiser in support of their past member David Davies, who sadly passed away with MND two years ago. This year, the gym event involved 16 teams who altogether raised an incredible £6050. We are hugely thankful to Joe Kelly, owner of the gym for his long and continued fantastic support. Picture: Top Left – Justine Cox - Area Support Coordinator and Kent Allen - Chair, Top Right – Kent, Kim Davies (wife of David Davies) and their son, Harrison, Bottom Right – Kim Davies, Joe Kelly-Director of JJK Fitness, Kent, Justine & Hetty, Bottom Right- winning team receiving the David Davies cup.
Past Event

Variety Express: The Pirates Show

Grant Cameron on stage accepting the cheque
Founded in 1980 Variety Express is a North Hertfordshire based community theatre group with a currant cast of around 40 members, which has raised over £123,000 for local and national causes. They produce a positive and entertaining show for all. The MNDA Hertfordshire Branch were very lucky to have been chosen as their charity for 2023. The Pirate’s show, held over four days in October 2023, was very entertaining and raised the amazing sum of £7,000 for the branch. Image: Grant Cameron, Committee Member receiving the cheque.
Past Fundraiser

Grants December Challenge

Grant stood with his MND Association branded running gear.
December
MNDA Hertfordshire committee member Grant Cameron smashed his "Run 25 miles in December" challenge, ploughing through the icy weather and smashing his target with a total of 36 miles reached by the end of the month! His fantastic efforts raised over £800 for the branch, which will help us to continue our work with those affected by MND. A massive thank you to Grant and those who donated towards this fundraiser.
Past Event

Christmas Lunch 2023

A group of people sat around a table with Christmas lunch
The Hertfordshire branch hosted a Christmas lunch brining together our volunteers and the community to celebrate the festive season.
Past Fundraiser

Golf Day Fundraiser

Paul, Max and Lukas Gilbert, with Jamie Gerrard, stood with their golf clubs while taking place in a 72 hole golf fundraiser
Last Saturday, Paul Gilbert took on 72 holes in one day in an inspirational fundraiser for the Hertfordshire MND Association Branch. Despite being diagnosed with MND in 2015, he completed the challenge alongside his two sons Max and Lukas, and their friend Jamie Gerrard, and have subsequently raised a staggering £23,000 in online donations alone! Without inspirational fundraising like this, we wouldn't be able to continue to deliver our vital help and support to those living with MND in Hertfordshire. A massive thank you to Paul for all you have done!
Past Fundraiser

Open water swim fundraiser

Mark O'Brien stood alongside his children beside the water he had completed his 6.8 mile swim
Mark O'Brien, from Slip End in Bedfordshire, was diagnosed with MND last year and has completed a world record attempt with a five-and-a-half hour open water swim - the longest unaided water swim for a person living with MND. The 54 year-old managed to swim for 6.8 miles (11km), further than his 6.5 mile target, and his three children swam the final stretch with him as his family, friends and even strangers cheered him on. Once out the water, Mr O'Brien told the BBC he was "freezing" but that the "support has been amazing". "It was a bit longer than we expected, and I'm looking forward to a hot shower and a burger," he said. So far Mark has raised an incredible £17,000 which will be split equally between the Bedfordshire Branch and Hertfordshire Branch of the MND Association and the MND National Office for research. We are hugely grateful to Mark for this fantastic achievement and magnificent sum raised.

Latest News

For more information about the different events and activities organised by the branch in order to provide support, raise awareness, and fundraise on behalf of people living with MND, please read our latest newsletter or contact us. 

Latest Newsletter   July Newsletter

May NewsletterMarch Newsletter 

January Newsletter November Newsletter 2023

 September Newsletter 2023 July Newsletter 2023

MND Connect

MND Connect is more than just a helpline. MND Connect offers people access to a quick route to get advice, practical and emotional support and directing to other services and agencies.

MND Connect is available 9am to 5pm and 7pm to 10.30pm Mondays to Fridays. Calls are charged at local rate.

The service is for:

  • People living with MND
  • Carers
  • Family members
  • Health and Social Care Professionals
  • MND Association staff and volunteers.

MND Connect can:

  • Give information about MND and how to cope with symptoms
  • Give medical, social, practical and financial information
  • Offer help and advice
  • Put you in touch with an Association Visitor, local Branch/Group or Regional Care Development Adviser
  • Advise on the services the MND Association can offer
  • Send you leaflets and information sheets
  • Put you in touch with other appropriate services

MND Connect is made up of a team of experienced staff and volunteers who work closely with our local and regional services.

Contact MND Connect on 0808 8026262 or email : [email protected]

Gazebo for hire

The Branch has recently acquired a Gazebo which can be borrowed, subject to availability, for a small donation to Branch Funds. The Gazebo is green, 3 metres x 3 metres, it has two side panels if required and can be easily erected by 2 people. Please contact [email protected] or [email protected] for more information. 

A green gazebo

 

Branch Committee

Committee Member’s Contact details

Any of the Committee can be contacted through our email addresses: [email protected] or [email protected]

Chairperson - Kent Allen: 07771 876562

Treasurer - Heather Hurley: 01462 627025

Secretary - Lindsey Lucas: 07905 157764

Branch Contact - Chris Carter: 01462 338450

Committee Member & Fundraising Coordinator - Hetty Smith: 01462 630195

Committee Member - Maria Watson: 07800 978281

Committee Member - Grant Cameron: 07896 260261