Ipswich: Fundraising to help fight motor neurone disease

Ipswich-based, Mediterranean Shipping Company UK (MSC) has continued in its efforts to support the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland dedicated to driving global research and awareness of motor neurone disease.

Following three years’ of fund raising for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND Association), MSC’s Team Ginge, a small group of colleagues and associates, has presented the charity with another cheque for just over £6,000. This brings the total funds raised for the charity by MSC to £24,600, almost reaching the half-way point to the team’s goal of £50,000.

Managing director at MSC UK and founder of Team Ginge, Dan Everitt said: “The springboard to MSC UK becoming involved in raising funds for MND Association was my family’s premature loss of my father to the disease. I experienced first-hand the devastation the disease can cause to a family and I wanted to do something to help raise awareness and funds for this cause. Joined by a few friends and colleagues, Team Ginge was formed. When we announced we were to take on the Snowdonia challenge, I was humbled by the response and support we received by an overwhelming amount of people. Their support enabled us to divide the funds raised across two charities, presenting a cheque for £6,491 to MND Association.”

On average, two in every 100,000 people develop motor neurone disease every year, with the highest number of incidents occurring to those aged between 50 and 70. To date there is no known cause of the disease as each individual is affected by a different combination of triggers. The progressive neurodegenerative disease attacks the upper and lower motor neurones within the body, causing increased loss of mobility in the limbs and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing .

Janet Oliver, volunteer for the Suffolk branch of MND Association said: “I would like to pass on my sincere thanks and congratulations to everyone at Mediterranean Shipping Company. Over the last 12 months the support shown by everyone involved has been truly amazing. To raise £25,000 in these tough economic times is just outstanding, the commitment and drive to succeed has been second to none. I would also like to say that all the money raised will make a difference to people living with and affected by MND and help the MND Association continue its battle with this terrible disease.”

The most recent of a number of fund raising activities undertaken by MSC’s Team Ginge, named after Dan’s father, Mick Everitt affectionately known amongst friends as ‘Ginge’, was the feat of the Snowdonia Challenge. A gruelling course set in the beautiful surroundings of Snowdonia National Park consisting of a 40 mile bike ride, the climb and decent of Snowdonia and a 1.5 mile canoe across Lake Gwynant. Dan Everitt was joined by three other MSC team members, Phill Watts, Paul Hillebrandt and Neil Jones to complete the challenge.