Meet our Committee

Cris Hoskin

Branch Chair

I first became aware of MND and the South Lancashire branch of the MND Association in 1991, when my dad, Thomas Hewlett, was diagnosed with MND. We sadly lost him just eight weeks later. After that, we gradually lost touch with the branch.

In 2005, our lives were once again affected by MND when we lost our son at the devastatingly young age of 27. Since then, I have also lost two further family members to the disease.

Over the years, I began attending branch meetings on and off, and my passion for raising awareness of MND grew stronger. I wanted to help support people living with MND and their carers, and to give something back to the Association. In April 2015, I became the Campaigns Contact for the South Lancashire branch.

In this role, I work to raise awareness of MND among decision-makers and to ensure that appropriate care and services are available for those living with the disease. I lead on both national and local campaigns, meeting with MPs, local councillors, and health and social care professionals. I also represent the branch at Regional Delivery Planning meetings, where we develop and monitor a five-year plan for services across Lancashire, Greater Manchester and South Cumbria.

This year, I also joined the branch committee. It is both a humbling and rewarding experience.

If you feel you could join me in speaking with MPs, councillors, or other professionals, I would love to hear from you. Having someone alongside me to share personal experiences of living with MND or caring for someone with MND is incredibly powerful and makes a real difference.

Eric Seddon

Branch Vice-Chair

My wife was diagnosed with MND in October 2008. We attended our first South Lancs Branch meeting in January 2009. The meetings were relaxed yet incredibly informative, and we were made to feel genuinely welcome from the very beginning. We were both determined to learn as much as we could about MND and to face it together with strength and resolve.

Sadly, my wife passed away in February 2010.

After her death, I became more involved in fundraising and raising awareness, and in 2011 I joined the branch committee. I also attend the North West Regional Forum meetings as a representative of the South Lancs Branch. These meetings allow us to strengthen the groups across the region by sharing ideas, supporting one another, and working collaboratively on events.

We are united in the fight against MND. I remain committed to supporting people living with MND and their families in any way I can.

Dave Hoskin

Branch Committee Member

Dave has personal experience of MND, having tragically lost both of his sons to the disease. Following the support he received from the Association and the branch, he joined the committee to give something back and to help others facing similar challenges.

He enjoys attending events and helping to run awareness stalls, where he plays an active role in raising awareness of this devastating disease across our local area.

Joyce Gilligan

Branch Committee Member

Joyce is a true pioneer of the branch, having been involved for over 30 years. She first joined after losing a close friend to MND and has been dedicated to supporting others ever since.

Joyce trained as an Association Visitor (AV) and spent many years providing direct support to people living with MND, helping them achieve the best possible quality of life across our area. Although she is no longer an AV, Joyce remains a highly dedicated and committed member of the committee, continuing to play an invaluable role within the branch.

Val Riley

Branch Treasurer

I became involved with the South Lancs Branch of the MND Association after sadly losing my husband to MND in 2012.

I feel very passionate about supporting the branch, as I believe MND is a disease that more people need to be aware of and understand.

I am now the Treasurer of the Branch and truly value both the work we do and the wonderful people I meet along the way.

Ann Roby

Branch Secretary

Chris Guy

Branch Webmaster

I became involved with MND South Lancs after hosting a charity fundraising event, “An Evening with Wigan Warriors Legends”, held in memory of John Duffy.

The event brought together rugby legends and supporters to raise funds and awareness for MND, and it marked the beginning of my involvement with the branch. I am proud to now support the team as Webmaster.

You can read more about the event here: 

Rugby legends come together for MND fundraiser in memory of coach