Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Fundraising, MND stories
Kathy Weir's dedication to people affected by motor neuron disease (MND) has been recognised with the Campaigning Champions Award at the 72nd Women of the Year Lunch and Awards.
Kathy was honoured alongside Lindsey Burrow, Annie Moody and Joanne Slater in recognition of their fundraising and campaigning efforts on behalf of those living with MND.
Although unable to attend the event in London yesterday, Kathy was quick to shine the spotlight on the wider MND community and the people who make a difference every day.
She said: "I'm very touched to receive this award, particularly alongside Lindsey, Annie and Jo. I have such admiration for each of them, for their determination and for the care they show other people while dealing with so much themselves. Being able to speak to someone who understands has meant a great deal.
"None of us would have chosen the circumstances that brought us here. We would give anything for our families, and every other family affected by MND, never to have faced this disease. But I'm grateful that this recognition brings attention to the work that still needs to be done."
I accept it on behalf of a much wider community - families, carers, fundraisers, researchers and everyone who keeps giving their time and energy to help. So much of that happens without any recognition, and we couldn't do this without them.
Kathy added: "Doddie wanted things to happen faster, and that determination stays with us. We have to keep raising money, funding research and speaking about MND until people have the treatments they so desperately need. If this award encourages someone to get involved, it will mean all the more."
Since Doddie's diagnosis, and even now after his death in 2022, Kathy helps drive awareness of MND forward and plays an important role as one of our trustees - sitting at the heart of the Foundation since day one and supporting our work to fund research into effective treatments.
Our CEO, Nicola Roseman, accepted the award on Kathy's behalf and paid tribute to all four women recognised.
"Kathy is so deserving of this recognition alongside Lindsey, Annie and Jo," Nicola said. "They have tirelessly supported their husbands and families in their own very personal challenges with MND, but they have also encouraged, instilled faith, and provided inspiration to countless others affected by this disease."
Kathy gives so much of herself to the Foundation and to other families affected by MND, often quietly and without any expectation of recognition. She understands what those families are facing and brings that understanding to our work, along with a determination to make things better for them.
"She, Lindsey, Annie and Jo have supported one another while dealing with circumstances no family should have to face. Their willingness to speak openly, help others and keep pressing for progress deserves enormous recognition.
“We are all immensely proud of Kathy and grateful for everything she continues to do. She would be the first to turn the attention back to people living with MND, and that is what makes this award such a fitting tribute.”
As this recognition celebrates four brilliant women, Kathy's message remains the same: there is still work to do. We will continue to fund the smartest, most efficient research, accelerate progress, and help make Doddie's vision a reality - a world that is truly free of MND.
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