“Lifelong friends” to the MND community

Two very special ladies are marking 30 years of dedicated service to the MND Association. Both personally touched by MND, they wanted to do whatever they could for others facing the same diagnosis.

Powered by this motivation, volunteers Janine Borny and Rosemary Rockett have stood by the side of those living with MND in their local communities, for more than three decades.

Janine joined the Jersey Branch of the Association in 1992 after her mum died of MND. Margaret McGovern, Branch Chair, explains how she soon became the heart of the local branch. “Janine has worked tirelessly to ensure the needs of people living with MND and their families were appropriately assessed and addressed. Her sensitivity, compassion and understanding has helped to lessen the isolation and distress felt by many. Families she’s supported always tell me she’s become a lifelong friend. We all see and feel her contribution, even if she doesn’t realise the difference she makes to our community.”

When Rosemary Rockett’s brother died of MND she knew she had to do something. A woman with many skills she soon began to use her talents to support the Southampton and Winchester group. A keen baker, Rosemary’s ‘legendary’ cakes started to build a reputation at coffee mornings and parties. Rosemary has supported many families over the years making a huge difference to them during their darkest times. Dawn Pond, Area Support Co-ordinator at the MND Association said: “Rosemary is always happy to try new things out if it means people with MND will receive the best