A nursing manager at a Cumbrian veterinary referral centre has organised a fundraising event together with her family in aid of the MND Association, after her father was diagnosed with the devastating disease.

Emma Dever, who is head of nursing services at Kentdale Referrals in Milnthorpe, is helping to organize ‘The Barty Party’ on Saturday, September 17, to raise money to help find a cure for motor neurone disease (MND).

Ms Denver’s 60-year-old dad John was diagnosed with the disease in June 2021.

MND is a life-shortening, rapidly-progressing disease which affects the motor neurones (nerves) that allow the brain and spinal cord to communicate.

The disease, which currently has no cure, results in a third of sufferers losing their life within a year of diagnosis and more than a half within two years.

Ms Denver and her family have organised the fundraising event, which will be held at Pilling Village Hall, in Lancashire, from 6pm, to raise funds to help the MND Association.

Ms Denver, who has worked at leading specialist-led vet practice Kentdale for six years, said: “My dad was devastatingly diagnosed with MND in June 2021.

“As a family, the past 12 months have been incredibly tough but we have been very lucky to receive so much support from our friends and local community.

“The MND Association (MNDA) is a non-profit organisation with a focus on improving access to care and campaigning to support people living with MND, as well as conducting vital research to help find a cure and fulfil their vision of a world free from MND.

“The MNDA has provided lots of information and helped us to network with other families going through this process. They have also provided support with our fundraising event in terms of giving us advice and helping to source some amazing raffle prizes.

“We hope as many people as possible can either buy tickets for the event or donate online, as every penny raised will go to the MNDA to try to find a cure for this awful disease.”

As well as live music and food and drink, The Barty Party will also feature a raffle and auction, with prizes such as a London staycation including travel and £200 travel money, a two-night stay for four people at Kurloon House Retreat, a two-night glamping staycation in Kent and many more.

To find out more information about the event and to buy tickets, visit www.facebook.com/JoinTheBartyParty/.

To donate to Emma’s JustGiving page, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thebartyparty.