Special ride raises awareness for MND

MEMBERS of the South West Harley Owners Group revved up their high-powered machines on Sunday to raise awareness of motor neuron disease during National MND Week.

Group activities officer and Harvey resident Yvonne Chapman came up with the idea after her best friend, Bev Bond, was diagnosed with the debilitating illness just a couple of months ago.

The Harvey resident had noticed in early December that she was losing strength in her right hand.

A series of falls in the following weeks led her to an appointment with a neurologist who confirmed the diagnosis of motor neuron disease.

Since then, Ms Bond’s speech became affected and she has to rely on a wheel chair.

She has always enjoyed riding on the back of a motorcycle as a pillion rider and was touched by her friend’s support.

Ms Chapman said “Bev’s Ride” was one way to make people more aware of the little-known, aggressive disease for which there is no cure.

“I have nursed people with motor neuron disease before but have never seen how it progresses with such frightening speed and how deeply it affects people in their everyday life,” she said.

“Our round trip from Harvey to Quindanning and return aimed to make people more aware of the debilitating condition and we hope to make it an official fundraising event through the Motor Neuron Disease Association next year.”