(Image: MND Association)
A GRANDMOTHER is sharing her story as part of a powerful national campaign.
Tahira Chaudhry, 78, from Leeds, is raising awareness of motor neurone disease (MND) through the MND Association’s new campaign, Life Stripped Away, which is being featured on billboards across England, Wales and Northern Ireland throughout October.
MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing neurological disease that leaves people "locked in a failing body, unable to move, talk and eventually breathe."
Ms Chaudhry 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."
Diagnosed in 2018, she first noticed symptoms when she felt as though something was stuck in her throat.
Since then, the disease has severely limited her independence, taking away her ability to enjoy walks in nature and time spent in her garden.
The campaign aims to highlight how MND robs people of the daily activities and passions that give life meaning.
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."
Today six people will be diagnosed with MND, and six people will die from the disease. There is no cure.
The MND Association improves access to care, funds research and campaigns for people affected by MND.
Volunteers across Yorkshire offer practical and emotional support to people living with MND and those closest to them.