Community Rallies for MND Research in Memory of Janine Turnbull

The Whitley Wander fundraising event returns this month, honouring the memory of Janine Turnbull, a North Tyneside mother who passed away from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in August 2023. Her family is determined to raise funds for MND research until a cure is found, aiming to surpass the £50,000 mark they have already reached through various initiatives.

Turnbull’s family and friends have worked tirelessly, raising over £45,000 dedicated to MND research, with an additional £17,000 secured for essential home adaptations. The community gathered in large numbers to pay their respects at St Alban’s Church in Earsdon during her funeral, reflecting the significant impact she had on those around her.

Nicole Brown, Janine’s sister, expressed her commitment to continuing the fundraising efforts, stating, “People shouldn’t have to go through the horror that Janine went through.” She emphasised that the grieving process for families begins at diagnosis, making every moment shared with a loved one precious. “Although it’s too late for Janine, it’s not too late for other people who are being diagnosed now or are going to be diagnosed in the next few years,” Brown added.

The upcoming Whitley Wander event is anticipated to attract hundreds of participants. Scheduled to commence at 11:00 AM on January 24, 2025, the walk will start outside Spanish City in Whitley Bay and proceed along the beachfront. Brown believes that her sister would have wanted such gatherings to promote joy and connection among participants.

Dominic McDonough from the MND Association praised the community’s efforts, stating, “It is fantastic to see the local community coming together once again for the Whitley Wander to raise funds for the MND Association in memory of Janine.” The funds raised will support research at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), where scientists and clinicians collaborate to develop treatments, enhance patient quality of life, and deepen the understanding of MND.

The research funded through these initiatives is already making a difference, as McDonough highlighted, “The research that has been funded and the awareness raised at events inspired by Janine is helping countless people with MND.”

Looking ahead, the family has planned additional fundraising events, including a performance by John Turnbull, Janine’s husband, whose band, Pirates, will play at King Street Social Club in Tynemouth on February 21. Furthermore, a Christmas single released by the Rush family successfully raised over £1,000 during the festive season.

The collective efforts of Janine’s family, friends, and the wider community exemplify a strong commitment to raising awareness and funding for MND research. Each event is a step closer to finding a cure and supporting those affected by the disease.