A charity appeal for volunteers has been welcomed by a motor neurone disease sufferer who relies on the care of her husband.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association is launching a volunteer programme in Bradford to help people like Diane Kendall, of Clayton Heights, to cope with the degenerative disease.

Ruth McLoughlin, regional care advisor for the association, said across the wider district there were volunteer programmes running - but not in Bradford.

She said: "There just isn't a team in Bradford and Airedale which is a shame because the volunteering service is vital.

"It is a way of providing support for people with MND.

"Basically, after training, volunteers visit people with the disease to inform them about the help and support available for them

"Sufferers can be really vulnerable and appreciate someone who can point them towards the right help or who could sit with them for a bit or accompany them to the theatre."

Volunteers are expected to keep in touch with a family or sufferer regularly by telephone and email, making home visits and being the 'link' between people and the MNDA.

Diane Kendall, 52, of Highgate Road, is one of the 32 people with MND in the Bradford district. She was diagnosed with the disease in 2000, after first displaying symptoms in 1998, when she had pain in her legs and hips.

The disease, which is rapidly progressive and fatal, has left Diane with no mobility below her head. She is cared for by her husband Trevor, 53.

She said: "When you are first told, your world just comes crashing down. You just feel totally alone.

"It's such a massive shock and a huge change to life. At first I just shut myself away and I shunned people.

"I refused a walking stick and a wheelchair and I was embarrassed to be seen out -- I don't care now.

"But it would have been so good to have had regular support from someone who could tell me about the services available and who would listen."

Mother-of-two and grandmother Mrs Kendall said that at the time of her diagnosis there was very little help available - she now has a carer for one hour every morning.

She said: "I have my husband - my knight in shining armour - but he has had to give up work to look after me.

"I also get help from Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope and social services, but having a volunteer come round and someone to talk to from time to time who isn't family would be wonderful. It would make all the difference.

"If I didn't have my family and was alone this would be unbearable. I can't imagine how people on their own cope and it's people like that who would depend on a bit of help from a volunteer."

If you have some time to spare and would like more information about volunteering, visit www.mndassociation.org.uk, email tam.milner@mndassociation.org or phone 0116 286 2893.