A FORMER Lord Mayor of Bradford who lost her battle with a cruel disease this summer has inspired Rotarians across Yorkshire to set up a new fund in her memory.

Valerie Binney, who was a long-standing Bradford Councillor and Rotarian, had continued to fight for her community despite suffering from the degenerative Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The disease affects the nerves that control movement, and can leave people locked in a failing body, unable to move, talk and eventually breathe.

Now the new fund will buy life-enhancing mobility equipment for others suffering from the disease.

Willie Clark, of Yorkshire Rotary, said: "I knew Valerie had the disease but I don't know much about it.

"She was a very gracious lady, she really was a wonderful, bright personality and I saw her go downhill. It was dreadful.

"When I saw what happened to Valerie, I looked into Motor Neurone Disease."

Mr Clark, of Shipley, said he found out that victims commonly had 14 months after the onset of symptoms before dying, but that it could take up to 12 months for mobility equipment like communication aids, ramps or stairlifts to reach people.

He said: "I went to the Rotary Club of Yorkshire and said, 'We have got to do something about this.'"

Yorkshire Rotary aims to raise £20,000 in the first year of the fund, with the equipment donated to the MND Association and getting to those who need it within days rather than months.

One of the first to benefit will be Nigel Dean, 55, a former security guard, of Normanton, near Wakefield, who was forced to give up work when diagnosed with MND earlier this year.

Loss of speech is a devastating symptom of this disease and Mr Dean is no longer able to communicate with family and friends.

This week Yorkshire Rotary will present him with a specially altered tablet computer which will allow him to communicate.

Mr Clark said: "This means he can speak to his family, his loved ones, and whenever he goes to the pub he can speak to his friends."

Mandy Metcalfe, regional fundraiser for the MND Association, said: "This partnership with Yorkshire Rotary presents the association with an amazing opportunity to provide support so desperately needed by those affected by MND and we are extremely grateful to all those fundraising towards the fund within the Rotary District."

Anyone who would like to help with the appeal can phone Mr Clark on (01274) 582028.