If she had lived Val would have been 80 today, a milestone she had hoped to achieve but did not reach. In the two years since her death there has been much time to reflect on our lives together as sisters and on the MND that caused her death.

For example, the first year I was at boarding school I received a birthday telegram from her, something I don’t think any of the other girls were sent. Sadly, I can’t return the compliment today so, to mark her birthday, I am making a donation to the MND Association instead. It is also an appropriate occasion to thank everyone who has contributed to her memorial fund to date. Your kind generosity is greatly appreciated.

Ann Andrews