Wherever The NX Group’s newly branded MND Association lorries travel across the UK, the memory of the Powell family’s much-loved grandmother goes too.
It’s been 40 years since Nana Powell, as she was affectionately known, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), a terminal neurological disease that affects around 5,000 people in the UK at any one time, but it’s an experience which continues to have a lasting impact on Neil Powell, managing director of the Daventry-based logistics company, and his family.
“Even though it was a long time ago, the impact of watching someone you love lose their independence stays with you,” he said. “It’s a disease that affects the whole family, not just the person living with it. That’s why we’re so determined to raise awareness now.
“Seeing how much progress the MND Association has made since then – in research, care and awareness – is a big part of why we’re determined to help. We want to make sure other families have more support, more understanding and more hope than we had at the time.”
MND is a devastating disease that attacks the nerves which send messages to the muscles. It moves fast. It strips people of their independence, leaving many people unable to speak, move or breathe for themselves. Six people are diagnosed every day – there is no cure.
As Global MND Awareness Day approaches on June 21, Neil and his family are sharing their story to help raise awareness of MND.
They will also join with the wider MND community in getting involved with this year’s theme, a celebration of the special days that really matter.
For the NX Group, it’s a journey that started 16 years ago when the company fi rst decided to support the MND Association’s work. Earlier this year, the company very proudly unveiled 10 new 12 tonne lorries, each one carrying the association’s new branding.
The lorries are now travelling routes right across the UK, raising awareness of MND in memory of Nana Powell.
“The MND Association has been our company’s chosen charity since we started 16 years ago,” said Neil.
“Over the years, we have done various fundraising activities from sponsored walks, bike rides and taking part in the London Marathon to company bake sales and office raffles.
“When we first started the business we had a courier division and we thought adding some MND Association livery to our courier vans would be a great way to help raise awareness. We featured David Solomon, who was living with MND at the time, on the back of five of our vans, along with association branding. Almost ten years later and we now have a fleet of 45 vehicles. Our new 12 tonne vehicles needed livery so we thought it would the perfect time to add the association’s new branding and help raise further awareness.
“Branding the lorries is a great talking point. It has defi nitely reignited the conversations around the MND Association and the work it does – not only within the business but also with our clients and suppliers too.”
The MND Association, which is based at Northampton’s Moulton Park, is the largest MND charity in the UK. As well as ensuring people living with MND and their families have the support and information they need right now, the charity is a global leader in the fi ght against MND, funding world class research into potential new treatments.
As one of the association’s valued corporate partners, the NX Group plays a key role in raising funds and awareness that take the charity closer to achieving its vision of a world free from MND.
Neil said: “Over the past 16 years we’ve had lots of special days and the bike ride really stands out for me. People joined in – some of whom I would never have thought would – but the fact of raising money really inspired them to join in and take part.
“The buzz it created around the office was amazing and it showed what a great team spirit there is.
“We will continue to support and fundraise for the association – we have a golf initiative for our employees that offers them a round of golf in return for a small donation to our MND Association fundraising page. We are hoping to hold a charity golf day in September and potentially a padel tournament in 2027.
“MND is part of our family story, so supporting the MND Association is deeply personal for us. Raising funds and awareness helps us honour our grandmother while helping other families facing the same challenges.”
More information about getting involved in Global MND Awareness Day is available on the MND Association website.
To learn more about how your business could make a difference to people living with MND and their families call 01604 611888 or email corporate@mndassociation.org
