Suffolk MND group sponsored swim at Abbeycroft Leisure in Bury St Edmunds

Family members of those affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND) are set to take on a sponsored swim in Bury St Edmunds.

The swim, which will take place at Abbeycroft Leisure Centre on Sunday, December 11, will start at 2.15pm, raising funds for the MND Association.

David Evans from Bury St Edmunds lives with MND and is keen that people in the town support the sponsored swim.

Last week it was announced that the former Scotland rugby player Doddie Weir had died after being diagnosed with MND in 2016.

Reacting to the death of Weir, who raised more than £2m for MND charities, Mr Evans, said: "We lost a great man, we have got to stop this, we can make a difference."

Mr Evans hope that the sponsored swim will raise awareness of MND, like the work of former rugby player Rob Burrows, who also has the disease.

Amongst those taking part in the swim will be family carers of those with MND and others whose lives have been affected by it.

On their JustGiving page, the Suffolk Group of the MND Association have already raised £240.

Following the swim there will be minced pies and mulled wine from 3.30pm.