Rhodri Glyn Thomas, shadow health and social services minister, has presented a cheque for £500 to a local Motor Neurone Disease (MND) support group. He donated the money to the Cleddau Support Group in Narbeth after shedding nearly 1st 7lbs. He said: "I am aware of a number of constituents who have MND, and a good friend of mine died from the disease in December 2003. I watched his condition deteriorate and saw how traumatic it was for him and his family." Mr. Thomas adopted his new healthier lifestyle in October 2003 - the same month he took up the health portfolio. He admits: "In the past I haven't led the healthiest of lifestyles. I decided it was about time I ate more healthily and started exercising. "I go out running and occasionally go to the gym, but it's the simple things that make a difference. I now take the stairs instead of using the lift and I walk to meetings instead of driving." The Cleddau Support Group was launched in June and holds its meetings on the second Thursday of every month. Penny Harnell, Cleddau Support group area co-ordinator, said: "On behalf of the group, I would like to thank Rhodri Glyn Thomas most sincerely for his kindness and generosity. "It is down to the support of people such as Mr. Thomas that we can continue helping local people affected by MND and raise awareness of the disease."
