£ 50M Victory: Ow Let's Cure Cruel Disease!

PM ‘throws full weight’ of government at illness He promises ‘new hope’ for patients and loved ones ‘I’m over the moon!’ says rugby legend Doddie Weir

- Jon Coates and David Maddox

Boris Johnson has today pledged £50million to find a cure for motor neurone disease, giving hope to people living with the terminal condition.

His vow comes four months after the Sunday Express launched our Fund The Fight To Cure MND crusade, joining forces with leading patients, campaigners and charities to call for the money to create an MND Research Institute.

The PM last night promised new hope for patients and their loved ones, and said he would “throw the full weight of government” behind a new, Britishled scientific mission to find a cure.

After being told about the campaign victory, rugby great Doddie Weir, 51, who has battled MND for more than four years, said: “I’m completely over the moon. All we’ve been asking for Is some hope for those living with MND. This funding will give us the hope we’re desperate for – and I know our incredible researchers will be able to accelerate the great work that’s already under way.”

The push for funding for a research institute, to co-ordinate efforts to find effective treatments, was started by a coalition of charities in the United To End MND campaign. These included the MND Association, MND Scotland and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

Mr. Johnson said: “I want to congratulate the charities, the Sunday Express, and all its readers for your fantastic campaign to fund the fight against motor neurone disease.

“This cruel and debilitating illness kills six people in our country every single day, with a third of those diagnosed tragically losing their lives within just a year.