Woman with MND says walk can bring people together

A woman diagnosed with a form of motor neurone disease (MND) that affects the muscles of the face and throat is holding a sponsored walk to raise awareness of the condition.

Lucy Green, 54, was diagnosed with progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) after experiencing difficulties speaking and swallowing.

The mother-of-two from Hull, who now lives in Scotter, North Lincolnshire, will be taking part in a sponsored walk across the Humber Bridge and back on Sunday.

"As soon as I realised I had MND, I thought, right, I need to do a sponsored walk. It brings people together," said Lucy. "It will be nice to meet and see people."

Lucy, who has worked as a healthcare assistant for 25 years, began to experience difficulties about 18 months ago.

In April 2025, a fall resulted in a hairline fracture to her right elbow. She was referred to a stroke physician, but this was ruled out.

After an appointment with a neurologist in September 2025, she was given a possible diagnosis of MND, which was confirmed after months of tests.

According to the MND Association, PBP is a life-shortening condition that mainly affects the muscles of the face, tongue, and throat. Early signs may include slurring of speech or difficulty swallowing.

Lucy said: "I couldn't believe it at first. I started crying and I just felt devastated because I know there's no cure for it."

She is now focused on trying to raise as much money as she can for the MND Association, in the hope that the charity's research work will lead to a cure.

Lucy's husband, David Green, 54, said: "We've been together 16 years. I am very proud of her, the way that she's standing up to it.

"She's been very positive, she wants to do something proactive. She wants to raise the profile of it as well."

David said Lucy had chosen to walk across the Humber Bridge to show the connection between the two places where they have lived together, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.

He said anyone who wanted to join the walk or sponsor Lucy would be welcome to do so.

"Anybody who wants to come and join us in solidarity and show your support for this life-shortening illness would be totally amazing", he added.

The walk will start at the Humber Bridge Car Park, in Hessle, on Sunday 22 March at 10:00 GMT.

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