MND charity worker on patients' diagnosis 'horror'

Susie Hunt is from Guernsey Motor Neurone

A woman from a charity supporting people affected by motor neurone disease (MND) has spoken of the "mental strain" patients feel on receiving a diagnosis.

Susie Hunt works for Guernsey Motor Neurone and her sister has the illness.

MND is a neurodegenerative condition where messages from the motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord stop reaching the muscles, the charity says.

Ms Hunt has been speaking about the "horror" of diagnosis after Lewis Moody, former England rugby captain, revealed he has the disease.

Ms Hunt told BBC Radio Guernsey: "The mental strain is extraordinary - knowing what's to come but being completely unable to control that is very bad."

Guernsey Motor Neurone provides care and support to people living with MND in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, as well as their carers and families.

Lewis Moody revealed he has been diagnosed with the disease

Ms Hunt said it is hard to come to terms with what the future holds.

"You recognise it's a diagnosis but you're too aware of the horror of that diagnosis and as Lewis says he feels fine and that's often the case.

"The knowledge of what is to come can be very debilitating both mentally and ultimately physically.

She added: "Nothing will make it any better - there is no cure - but by raising the profile of it, hopefully it will mean an increase in money going into research."

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC Action Line.