Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association launches new appeal

The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association has launched a fresh appeal to raise €1m to support patients.

The charity is hosting a ball tonight - in a bid to raise awareness about the condition and vital funds for equipment.

It was a beneficiary of last year's 'Ice Bucket Challenge' but says the organisation needs ongoing donations to help those who live with the debilitating and progressive disease.

One of those is Paul Lannon, who said that MND can have a devastating impact.

"Anyone who's got small kids, you watch them as they grow up and you watch them to struggle to tie their shoelaces or try to lift a box of toys that's too heavy for them and you watch the strain as they struggle to do it," he said.

"For people with MND, it's very similar - except for last week, you were able to do it. So it's like [being a small child] in reverse."