MND fundraiser made an MBE

A charity fundraiser with motor neurone disease (MND) has been made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) after raising over £50,000 in the name of the condition.

Mike Findley, who lives in Marske-by-the-Sea near Redcar on the north-east coast, was diagnosed with MND in June 2005 and is the former mayor of Redcar and Cleveland as well as a retired postal worker.

Launching his MND fund in September 2005, Mr Findley has been raising money ever since he was diagnosed and has raised £50,765 to date through concerts, football matches, charity dinners and his Living with MND talks.

He said: "I got a letter six weeks ago and I was over the moon but it was really difficult keeping it quiet. It's a great honour and I couldn't have achieved it without the support of my family and friends."

Mr Findley added that he has been doing fundraising throughout his life and he has always had "wonderful support" from those who are close to him.

Symptoms of MND include pain, muscle cramps, stiff joints, bowel problems, incontinence and coughing, as well as cognitive changes.

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