A dad with motor neurone disease has been singled out for support by Prime Minister Keir Starmer amid a campaign for more research funding.
Mark Sommerville was addressed by the PM in Westminster and told: “We stand with you in this fight.”
The 43-year-old, from Uddingston in Lanarkshire, believes more needs to be done by governments to help find a cure for MND.
He said: “It was an important statement from the Prime Minister.
“We were very pleased that Keir Starmer recognised us and what we are trying to do.
“We need more funding, more research put into finding a cure for this horrendous, life-ending condition.
“Everyone says time matters, but in 50 years not much has changed for MND. Those diagnosed with MND don’t have time to wait.”
Dad-of-four Mark, who has now set up the Mark Sommerville Foundation to fund research, was given his devastating diagnosis in October last year and told he had 18 months to live.
Starmer’s vow came after his case was highlighted by Labour MP Frank McNally, who called for the government to increase funding into research for a cure.
The Labour MP for Coatbridge and Bellshill said: “Will my right honourable and learned friend join me in recognising the work of Mark and his foundation and commit the Government to doing all they possibly can to support efforts to find a cure for this devastating disease?”
Mark and fellow campaigners from his foundation then met MPs to discuss the need for more MND awareness, funding and research.
In response, Starmer recognised Mark’s work and also that of rugby league star Kevin Sinfield, who has raised another million for sufferers of MND – the disease that took his best pal Rob Burrow in June aged just 41.
He said: “I pay tribute to Mark, who is in the gallery, and the work of his foundation. This diagnosis can be absolutely devastating, and it is testament, if I may say so, to his bravery and compassion that he is raising awareness of the condition.
“Last week I paid tribute to the inspirational Kevin Sinfield, another incredible champion. I say to both of them, and to all those campaigning, that we stand with you in this fight.”
Jane Haley MBE, Director of Research for MND Scotland said: “There is no meaningful treatment for MND which is why MND Scotland has funded research into the disease for 40 years.
“Since 2018, we committed £3.5 million to setting up the MND-SMART clinical trial which, whilst anchored at the University of Edinburgh, provides an opportunity for people with MND throughout the UK to participate in a clinical trial.
“We also work with the Scottish Government by co-funding MND research-focused projects via a Clinical Fellowship and the Gordon Aikman Scholarship.
“Progress can only be made through investment in vital research and MND Scotland continues to pay its part in that – because it’s about time there was a cure”.
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