CAMPAIGNERS in Swindon are calling on the government to add motor neurone disease on its extremely vulnerable persons list.

Members of the Swindon and North Wiltshire group of the MND Association have written to local MPs urging them to raise the issue with the Secretary of State for Health sand Social Care, Matt Hancock.

MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease which affects the respiratory system and the nerves in the brain and spinal cord that tell muscles what to do.

The Department of Health and Social Care indicated people with MND qualify to register under the ‘severe respiratory conditions’ sub-group on the shielding and protecting extremely vulnerable persons from COVID-19 list.

But the group is concerned that people with MND will not know they are eligible unless the disease is explicitly listed.

Vice chair of the Association Heather Smith said: “We are extremely concerned MND is not on the extremely vulnerable list.

“Coronavirus could be particularly dangerous for people with MND and failing to add them to the extremely vulnerable persons list will have serious implications for those living with and affected by this devastating disease.

“My partner had MND, so I have experienced first-hand the devastating impact of the disease, particularly on the respiratory system.

“The government needs to amend the list and ensure MHS is clearly included to all people living with the condition so they can get the vital help and support they require.”