On Tuesday 5 April, staff and Board members from Brighter Futures walked ten miles from St. Ouen into St. Helier to raise funds and awareness for both Brighter Futures and the MND Association Jersey. The walk was held in honour of all those with MND and we were pleased to be joined by MND Association Jersey supporters as well.

The proceeds raised will be divided equally between Brighter Futures Jersey (Registered Charity No 204) and the Motor Neurone Disease Association (Registered Charity No 043). You can still sponsor our staff by using JustGiving.

We undertook this challenge because we wanted to raise awareness of and funds for MND, a life-changing condition for which sadly, there is currently no cure.

Last year, someone close to the hearts of all at Brighter Futures was sadly diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. They remain someone who makes us smile each day. We are always thinking of them and talking about how they have inspired us as we walk and enjoy Jersey’s beautiful coastline (and its many steep bits.)

Brighter Futures supports families in Jersey who are facing significant difficulties or challenges in their lives. The charity works with around 170 families at any time for a range of reasons, including physical ill health and mental health issues, many of whom are referred with high-risk and complex difficulties, including child protection concerns. From our facility at the Bridge families access a variety of services and programmes on a voluntary basis for up to 3 years who are able to return for further support where needed. We have been supporting families since opening our services in 2008.

The priorities of the Motor Neurone Disease Association are Patient Care, Creating Public Awareness and Fundraising. The Charity can help with funding specialist equipment and services to meet the needs of those affected by Motor Neurone Disease in Jersey, enabling patients to remain in their own home for as long as possible. It also helps to fund research into MND to learn more about the disease and help find treatments and hopefully one day a cure.

We will keep you updated on social media about how much we have raised – look out for the photos!

Thank you for your support.