Residents at a retirement home in Sunderland have raised thousands of pounds for a charity that holds a special place in their hearts.

Tenants of Herriot Gardens Retirement Living, in Gray Road, Hendon, raised £2,500 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association after fellow resident Lynne Casey was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in May 2025 following a prolonged period of declining mobility.

Lynne has dedicated more than 40 years to teaching movement and dance through the Keep Fit Association and was leading a dance class for fellow residents at Herriot Gardens when she first began experiencing problems.

Since her diagnosis, Lynne has received invaluable support from the Motor Neurone Disease Association, helping her and her family navigate the challenges of living with the condition.

Residents of Herriot Gardens Retirement Living raised £2,500 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association after resident Lynne Casey (seated) was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

placeholder image — Residents of Herriot Gardens Retirement Living raised £2,500 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association after resident Lynne Casey (seated) was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

Witnessing the impact of this support motivated residents and staff at Herriot Gardens to come together to raise as much money as possible for the charity.

Lynne said: “The support I have received from the Motor Neurone Disease Association has been amazing.

"Knowing that the residents and staff at Herriot Gardens have come together to raise this money means so much to me.

"I am incredibly grateful for their kindness and generosity.”

Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive and incurable neurological condition that affects the brain and nerves.

Funding is vital to ensure people living with the disease receive the support they need while also helping ongoing research into treatments and ultimately, a cure.

Regional fundraiser for the North of England, Dominic McDonough, said: “Thank you so much to Lynne and all of the residents for their kindness in raising an incredible £2,500.

"It really does mean so much to us and will help us to support people in our region living with Motor Neurone Disease and their families.

"It truly is amazing how much money and awareness has been raised.

"We are so grateful.”

The fundraising total will help the Motor Neurone Disease Association continue its work in supporting individuals and families living with Motor Neurone Disease, while also funding research into the disease.

For more information about the Motor Neurone Disease Association, see https://www.mndassociation.org/.