Features 
The latest NUST ‘Local Achiever’ is Mark Taylor and he has nominated Richard Anderson and Marty Graham in recognition of their invaluable help to receive tickets for the Manchester City match courtesy of the Trust, visit www.marktaylorfund.com to see how you can help a real local achiever.
During his time with Whitley Bay FC, Mark Taylor won two FA Vase trophies, including playing at the new Wembley stadium, and has captained the senior side on many occasions. A popular and vital member of the team, Mark was diagnosed with MND (Motor Neurone Disease) but continues to be a fixture at the club and can be found amongst the faithful at most home games.
In his role as a PE teacher at Kenton School, Mark is a popular figure amongst pupils and staff alike. Even with the difficulties that come from living with MND, Mark continues to be dedicated to his teaching career, bringing an energetic and vibrant approach to the education of pupils from 11 to 18. The unbelievable level of support from pupils for Mark since being diagnosed stands as a testament to the effect and impact he has had on all of his classes.
The aim is to provide Mark with all the support he needs to fight his disease and this depends on the generosity of everyone in the local community.
The fundraising team is made up of volunteers and colleagues of Mark from Kenton school who have come together to help as much as possible in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease.
Although the main focus is to collect funds to support and help Mark as he lives with this disease, we are all conscious of the work that must be done to raise awareness of MND.
At all fundraising events, donations are taken for the Motor Neurone Research department of Newcastle RVI and, with the help of Kenton School, they deposit them with the charity.
No one involved with the Fund receives any payment: 100% of what is collected goes to support Mark or the MND research department.
They are currently working on setting up online donations but until then, you can donate by sending a cheque made out to Kenton School Fund and with every donation, please clearly indicate whether you would like the money to be donated to Mark Taylor or to the Motor Neurone Disease research department at Newcastle RVI fund. The address to send cheques to is Mark Taylor Fund, C/O Kenton School, Drayton Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3RU.
If you would like to talk about anything connected with fundraising for Mark Taylor or the Motor Neurone Disease research department at Newcastle RVI, please go to contact@marktaylorfund.com
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and lower motor neurones. Degeneration of the motor neurones leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing.
Around four or five in every 100,000 people in the UK have MND at any one time. It usually starts between the ages of 50 and 70 but can occur at any age. Men may be up to twice as likely as women to be affected.
Research is underway to understand the causes of MND and to develop an effective treatment. Currently there is no cure and life expectancy depends on how symptoms progress. However, there are effective treatments to manage symptoms.
