The most well-known actress with motor neuron disease (MND) is the late British actress, Lynda Bellingham. Bellingham, who was best known for her roles in TV shows such as ‘All Creatures Great and Small’, was diagnosed with MND in 2013 and passed away in October 2014.
Prior to her diagnosis, Bellingham had enjoyed a long and successful career in television and film. She had appeared in a number of popular TV series, including ‘The Bill’, ‘Crossroads’, ‘Emmerdale’ and ‘Doctors’. She had also made numerous appearances on stage, in musicals such as ‘Annie’ and ‘Funny Girl’.
Bellingham was a passionate advocate for MND awareness and used her public profile to help others who were living with the condition. She wrote a blog for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, which detailed her journey with the disease and was also an ambassador for the charity. In her last public interview, she spoke about her determination to continue living her life to the fullest, despite her diagnosis.
In addition to Bellingham, there have been a number of other actresses who have been diagnosed with MND. These include ‘Coronation Street’ actress Jane Danson, ‘Eastenders’ star Jill Halfpenny and ‘Bad Girls’ actress Helen Fraser.
Whilst there is still no cure for MND, raising awareness of the condition and supporting those who are living with it is vital in order to improve the quality of life for those affected. Bellingham’s courage and determination to make a difference, even in the face of her diagnosis, is an inspiration to us all.
