A safety milestone at the Essar Oil (UK) Ltd Stanlow refinery in Ellesmere Port has resulted in a £3,000 donation to the Wirral Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Stanlow recently achieved two million hours without a Lost Time Injury and the donation was made through the company ‘Let’s Give’ initiative which links the refinery’s commitment to safety directly with charitable giving. Donations are made to local charities nominated by employees who have had personal dealings with the organisation.
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a progressive disease that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting. MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. However, not all symptoms necessarily happen to everyone and it is unlikely they will all develop at the same time, or in any specific order. Although there is currently no cure for MND, symptoms can be managed to help achieve the best possible quality of life.
The Motor Neurone Disease Association is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland focused on MND care, research and campaigning. With over 9,000 members, it forms a powerful national and local network that provides information and support alongside fighting for improved services.
Stanlow Production Supervisor Steve Walmsley, who suggested the charity, explained: “I nominated the MND Association as I still have good memories of the excellent help and support that was given to my father by the local Wirral branch up until his death in 2001, and I know that they provide this much needed support in extremely challenging financial circumstances.”
Debbie Williams, from the Motor Neurone Disease Association, commented: “The donation from Essar has given a huge boost to the start of our fund raising year. The money will enable us to continue our monthly support group. It will also help us support people living with Motor Neurone Disease by funding riser recliner chairs, wheelchairs, alternative therapies and quality of life payments for carer breaks. Funds raised pay for items that improve lives, including stair lift rentals, bathroom adaptions and ramps. It is vitally important for those who lose their voice that we fund communication aid in a timely manner.”
