A PARTNERSHIP has agreed to adopt the Motor Neurone Disease Charter, in order to send a message of support to those living with the disease.

County Durham Health and Wellbeing Board (CDHWB), which brings together various health providers and is chaired by Durham County Council, has adopted five commitments as part of the charter.

These include the right to an early diagnosis and information and to high quality care and treatments, as well as treating people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) as individuals and with dignity and respect

MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.

It attacks the nerves that control movement so muscles refuse to work.

A third of people with MND die within a year of diagnosis, and more than half within two years.

Councillor Lucy Hovvels, the cabinet member for health and adult services, and chair of the CDHWB, said: “By adopting the charter, and pledging to its commitments, we hope to send a clear message to people that we will be doing all we can to support you, and the people who care for you, to live happy and fulfilling lives.”