Chair: Philippe Udrzal

I lost my wife of 30 years to MND in 2020 and decided volunteering with the MNDA to try help other people currently living with MND and raise money to fight this terrible disease..

The MND South Essex branch has been a fantastic support and I just want to give back.

Vice Chair: Pat Ahlquist

The first person I knew with MND was a friend’s Mum when we were teenagers. As a palliative care consultant I went on to support many people with MND and, now I am retired, I am volunteering as an Association Visitor

My husband and I moved to Leigh in 1995 with 3 small children and, years later, I’m now learning how to be a grandmother.

As for hobbies, I sing with a local choir, play the piano, love walking, reading and baking and I’m in the worship group at West Leigh Baptist Church where I also lead a small group and (normally) teach Sunday School.

Treasurer: Rowan Harvey

I am Rowan Harvey, Treasurer for the South Essex Branch since April 2016.

My connection with MND is that my father-in-law had this ghastly condition, so I have first hand knowlege of the devastating effect of the disease. As I was about to retire and to keep me out of mischief, my wife and her sister thought it be a good idea to volunteer me for the role.

In my previous life I had to reduce costs and save money. Its therefore such a delight to reverse the role where we can help and financially support those people living with MND, their carers and families in our local area.

Secretary: Debbie Darke

Hi, my name is Debbie Darke, I am the Branch’s Secretary and have been on the committee since June 2017.

I became involved with MND when my Dad became ill with this devastating illness, so I know what it is like to see a loved one living with MND.

In that time, I have particularly enjoyed organising fundraising events, both for Branch activities and with my family AKA ‘Team Charlie’. I feel proud to have helped my family raise £25,000 for MND in memory of my Dad.

I feel privileged to have met the wonderful and brave people that I have met over the last few years.

Walk 2 dFeet: Michelle Bingham

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Hello my names Michelle, I joined the MNDA volunteering team in October 2022. I had been going to a lot of the fundraising events they held since I lost my amazing dad to this awful disease in 2014.

The MNDA helped us through one of the hardest times of our lives, I would now like to give something back in trying to help people living with or affected by this cruel disease.

Association Visitor: Gill Gibson

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The MND South Essex Branch was a great support to me and my husband who lived with MND for several years and died in 2020. I volunteered as an Association Visitor in 2022 hoping that I can give something back and help others facing the same dreadful disease.

I moved to Rochford 30 years ago and have never regretted it. I now have a new man in my life - a four-legged working cocker spaniel called Tiro. He makes sure I walk a lot and I also sing, read , play the piano and eat cream teas. In the summer months I holiday in my camper van with Tiro.

Publicity: Kevin Watts

My name is Kevin Watts and I have been involved with the Motor Neurone Disease Association ever since my dad died from the horrendous disease.

Our local branch was very helpful to our family so I decided to help out at my local branch and I have been involved ever since.

When I am not involved with the MND Association I am a Headteacher of a large Primary School in Essex. In my spare time, I manage a District football team and do a bit of amateur dramatics.

Social Media: Lisa Gallagher

I am Lisa Gallagher. I joined the South Essex Branch committee in April 2018.

I look after our Facebook page, manage our website, and for the last 2 years, have created our regular newsletter.

I have now stepped down from the newsletter and the latest edition has been created by Philippe Udrzal.

Marianne Morgan

I have only recently joined the MND committee.

My husband suffers with motor neurone and I want to do all I can to help fundraise to find a cure for this disease.

President: Stevan Wing

We are deeply honoured that Dr Stevan Wing, Consultant Neurologist at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust has accepted being the President of our MND South Essex branch where his knowledge and experience of the disease will be extremely useful.

Dr Wing has also worked as Clinical Research Associate at the University of Cambridge and is familiar with all aspects of Motor Neurone Disease.

No doubt his in-depth knowledge of MND will help us better serve the community of patients we aim to help and support.

Area Support Co-ordinator: Justine Cox

I joined the MND association in December as the new Area support co-ordinator for Herts and Essex, covering for Carmen whilst she’s on a secondment.

I’m really enjoying my role and all the wonderful people I’m meeting along the way.

I live in Hertfordshire with my rescue dog Madge and my 3 children, 2 of whom flew the nest then returned to my surprise!

I volunteer as a befriender for a Young person in care and at a local music/arts centre. When I have free time I enjoy writing, walking, reading, baking and painting.

Justine.Cox@mndassociation.org / 01604 800659

Association Visitor: Barry Mizen

I volunteered as an association visitor in late 2022, as my wife is living with MND. MNDA South Essex branch have been a fantastic support and I just wanted to give something back.

I am also responsible for the MNDA South Essex Website. My hobbies include lawn bowls, (where I'm also the webmaster and competitions secretary) , steam trains and researching my family tree