Many faces of cruel disease that slowly paralyses

ONE of the most high-profile motor neurone disease (MND) sufferers is Stephen Hawking, the theoretical physicist whose books and public appearances have made him a celebrity.

He was diagnosed when he was 21 and gradually lost the use of his arms, legs, and voice and, as of 2009, has been almost completely paralysed.

Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone was diagnosed with MND in November 2001 and died in March 2006.

Elaine Luckman, 55, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, who was diagnosed with MND in 2007, said: "This disease has devastatingly changed not only my life but my family's, too. One way that helps me cope and gives me hope is research."

Colin Knight, 52, from Turvey, Bedfordshire, was diagnosed in May 2008. He said: "This news is extremely exciting. I have always felt that a cure for motor neurone disease will come one day and the most likely place will be from stem-cell research."