Bill Catling, Chairman and Margaret Van de Weyer, Secretary of S.E.Wales Branch presented a cheque for £470 to Dr. Ken Dawson, Consultant Neurologist in South Wales. The money is provided to enable purchase of a Spirometer that can be used to measure breathing capacity.

The presentation took place at Panteg Hospital Pontypool where Dr. Dawson now carries out a MND clinic once a month in addition to the clinics he runs at Nevill Hall Abergavenny. He is supported by Sue Broad a specialist MND nurse; she was also at the presentation. With the addition of clinics at Panteg Hospital opportunities now exist in Gwent for more regular consultations for those patients affected by MND.

Curry Night - 18th October 2008, Abergavenny

In October the branch all met for a social evening at the Exotic East Restaurant in Llanfoist,  Abergavenny.

A good turnout but we had to keep Andrew and Margaret, in the forground, penned in!

Mary was able to get ameal that was not too hot! Bill and Keith ate too much, as usual, but the food was excellent!

Walk to d'Feet MND - 13th July 2008, Bryn Bach Park, Tredegar

The walk took place on 13^th July (we were very lucky as the weather turned into a gem as I did try to book the Park for the 6^th which turned out to be an horrendous day) not only were we Stalwarts but also Righteous.

We were all up bright and early and ready for the off at 11 am that was until Bill remembered to have some photos taken so it was back to the start, smiles at the ready and off again after the flash (of the camera)

Bryn Bach Park was bustling a we started off it was glorious, June in her wheelchair smiling all day long what an inspiration, I thinks there was a glint in her eye when the boys in their shorts went by

The Stock family were out in force what a fab lot thoroughly enjoying themselves

Pat & her daughter Deb had a good old natter along the way, Jacqueline and family and friend Sue soon got into stride (I think they’d been out training for a few weeks)

Debbie Kirsty and boyfriend went off in a blaze of glory, nice to be young isn’t it (and in love)

My family arrived from Newport (better late than never) didn’t see a lot of them until the end, wonderful to see them taking part

Mark Marie & Family Bill & Margaret all finished the 3 laps and arrived back with no-one landing in the lake which was indeed a bonus

My friend Brenda and Jill did a grand job, I hope they realise that not only were they doing us a favour but they were also getting fit although Brenda has to be revived with medication which usually comes in a wine bottle!!

Most of us stayed behind and had a picnic I was so pleased my corned beef Pie went down a treat as it was my new recipe (copies available at a small cost) Keiths son lit his barbecue, I was very concerned about the cars parked either side but all went well and his sausages looked luvly!!

We all had a fab time said our farewells & went on our ways

Thanks to everyone who took part and hope to see them all again next year

Anne Roberts, Event Organiser

Pitbull in the Dragon's Lair - 11th July 2008

Blackwood RFC played host to the recent fundraising dinner which saw Branch Patron Eddie Butler and his TV commentator partner Brian "Pitbull" Moore as guest speakers before a packed partisan audience of 150 Welshmen.

Billed as the "Pitbull in the Dragon's Lair", the eagerly awaited arrival of Brian Moore was delayed slightly due to problems on his travels down from London that afternoon. Rumour has it that Brian's satnav did not work on the Welsh side of the Bridge!!

Following a superb meal, Brian stood before the room and enthralled the audience with his passion for rugby in a talk littered with his refreshing views on the game plus anecdotal references from his distinguished England career.

On a night of equal billing, Eddie spoke briefly of his times in Welsh rugby but then happily looked on as his colleague took command of the question & answer session.

As a fundraising event, the evening also saw an auction of rugby memorabilia plus a raffle and raised just short of £3,400 in what was seen by many local attendees as one of the best speakers & dinners at Blackwood RFC in recent years.

Many thanks to Brian Moore and Eddie Butler for giving up their time to support the MND cause. Many thanks must also go to all of the kitchen staff, waiters, waitresses, bar staff and organisers at Blackwood RFC, the majority of whom gave their services for free on and before the night.

Celtic Manor Donation

Branch wins another Oscarr

Thanks to the tremendous collective efforts the Branch has been presented with another Oscarr for fundraising in 2007.

Fundraising - 25th & 26th January 2008

Ann Roberts our Vice Chairperson organised a very successfull collection outside Tesco Pontypool on the 25 and 26 January. A very creditable £855.71 was collected.

New Year Dinner - 19th January 2008

Our usual New Year dinner was held on 19 January at the Llanwenarth Hotel, Abergavenny. Over 20 members of the Branch enjoyed a good evening of excellent food and chat.

Canal trip - 24th June 2007

24 members of the Branch spent a wonderful lunch cruise on the 24th June on the Brecon Abergavenny Canal. The trip started at Brecon on a special boat that was able to take wheelchairs.
The route crossed over the Usk, went through a lock and a buffet lunch was served.

After just over an hour the boat turned round and returned to Brecon. The sun shone, there was no wind, the water was calm and no one was ill!

Summer Lunch - 29th July 2007