PHYLLIS Tuckwell Hospice has been presented with an Extra Mile Award by the Motor Neurone Disease Association, acknowledging its “exceptional” work in caring for people living with MND.

Motor neurone disease is a progressive disease which attacks the nerves in the brain and spinal cord which control muscles, stopping messages from reaching muscles and leading to muscle weakness and wasting.

It can affect patients’ ability to talk, swallow and move, and becomes worse over time. Five per cent of the patients Phyllis Tuckwell cares for have MND, and they are supported by the charity in many ways.

Phyllis Tuckwell was nominated for the award by Val Clinch, a voluntary visitor for the MND Association, after her experiences of individuals’ needs being addressed over and above what would be expected of the normally high level of care provided by Phyllis Tuckwell.

Nick Dando, consultant in palliative medicine at Phyllis Tuckwell, said: “The team at Phyllis Tuckwell were delighted to receive this recognition for our work with patients living with motor neurone disease.

“Central to the delivery of this care are the collaborative links that Phyllis Tuckwell has developed over the last five years with our excellent colleagues in local hospital and community teams.

“These relationships have enabled Phyllis Tuckwell to co-ordinate and deliver individualised care to patients living with this complex illness.”