Chiltern District Council has agreed to adopt a charter to show its commitment to respect the rights of local people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Adopting the charter ensures Council policy and procedure will enable people living with MND to receive good quality care and support, whilst also raising awareness of the disease.

MND is fatal. As it rapidly progresses it can leave people unable to move, talk and eventually breathe. There is no cure to the disease that kills around a third of people within a year of their diagnosis and more than half within two years.

The Charter was launched to address a lack of understanding of the disease which in turn contributes to people with MND not receiving the care and support that they need.

Leader of Chiltern District Council, Cllr Isobel Darby said: “Adopting the MND Charter means that we are committing to doing everything we can as a council to assist people who are living with MND, their carers and family.

“This is a devastating disease and it's important we raise awareness of it and support people living with MND to maximise their quality of life.”

Chris James, Director of External Affairs for the MND association, said: “The importance of the MND Charter is undeniable.”

“We want everyone to be clear that access to the right care, in the right place, at the right time, as set out in our Charter, can transform lives.”