The Cheshire branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association is 'over the moon' after the Government pledged £50 million to help in the fight against the disease.

Last weekend the Government announced £375 million would be invested into research into neurodegenerative diseases over the next five years.

This includes £50 million to help find new therapies – and eventually a cure – for motor neurone disease (MND), a condition in which the brain and nerves progressively degenerate.

Mike Coleman, chairman of MND Association Cheshire, said: “We still haven’t found a cure for this horrible disease yet.  

"Here in the branch, we support everybody in Cheshire, with the likes of our own funding and people raising money through fundraisers, which we are grateful for, but this is hopefully going to make a huge difference.  

"The Government pledge is great news; we are over the moon.” 

Currently, there is no cure for motor neurone disease and only one treatment drug is currently being used in the UK, with its role to slow the progression of the disease and extend a patient’s life by a few months.  

The Government hopes that such large investment into the research will unlock new treatment for patients using gene therapy. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the funding will be used to 'turbo-charge' the search for new therapies and drugs which potentially could improve the life chances of those who are diagnosed with the 'cruel and debilitating' illness. 

Writing in the Sunday Express, Mr Johnson added: “Together we can turn motor neurone disease from a terminal illness to a treatable condition, giving new hope to anyone diagnosed and to all their loved ones who care for them.” 

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Neurodegenerative conditions like MND can have a devastating impact on people’s lives and I’m committed to ensuring the Government does everything we can to fight these diseases and support those affected.”