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My name is Amanda Wright; I am 49 years old and married with one daughter aged 18. Last Christmas I noticed a slight slurring of speech which gradually worsened resulting in a visit to my GP in April, who immediately referred me to a neurologist. On 1st June I was diagnosed with MND Bulbar Palsy. Prior to this I must admit I knew little about the disease as did any of my family; information and advice from the MND Association has helped us all considerably in coming to terms with my illness. 

Following my diagnosis colleagues at Sheffield City Council decided to plan a fund-raising week for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. The week kicked off on Monday with soup all home-made by my colleagues accompanied by home-made bread. Wednesday was a home-made Chilli Day, with both meat and vegetable options. Friday was cakes, again home-made. We also held a second-hand book, CD and DVD/Video sale which is still ongoing, along with a raffle, name the puppy competition and a music quiz. From these events we have managed to raise £1323.15, in addition to this I have been given 100 second-hand mobile phones which I have forwarded onto the MND Association for recycling. They should receive £3.50 for each phone which increases the total by £350 to £1673.15, and in addition to this we have been given £500 by a local company which will be forwarded direct to the association. As you can imagine I was absolutely thrilled at the amount which has totalled £2173.15. I also circulated the Christmas Brochure and have submitted orders to the value of £357.46 and they are still coming in. 

Accepting the fact that I have a serious illness has been difficult but without all the support of my family, friends and work colleagues it would be so much more difficult.  My employer has been absolutely brilliant, they have made every possible allowance to ensure I can keep on working for as long as I feel I can. I now work from home part of the week, and they are happy for me to do this as and when I feel necessary. Currently I am managing 3 days in the office and 2 days at home, which ensures I get a good rest between office days. As long as the work gets done I can work whenever I feel able, sometimes I fit a little in over the weekends too. 

The support and assistance I have had from the Neurology Dept at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, along with the staff from the PDT team at Darnall has been fantastic. In addition to this the Access to Work at the Jobcentre Plus have made everything so easy to allow me to carry on working.

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