It was a privilege to host MND Scotland's annual parliamentary event in The Scottish Parliament on Tuesday night (16 April). The annual event is always hugely powerful, particularly meeting those living with MND, their families and their friends. As well as all those working to improve care.

This years event focussed on the need for better social care for those impacted by the disease; as well as the opportunities offered by the proposed National Care Service to improve the consistency and quality of care.

We heard from Brian Murphy from Anniesland, about his experience of living with MND and the barriers he and his family had accessing the care and support required. My thanks to Brian and his wife Gillian for sharing their story; as well to Tenashe who is one of Brian’s carers.

My thanks also to Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Social Care, Wellbeing and Sport for her commitment on behalf of the Scottish Government to do all we can to improve matters.

The event comes the same week The Scottish Government announced £9.2 million (over 3 years) to give people who access social care more choice and control over decisions relating to their care - including funding to Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living. This funding builds on an additional £2 billion investment in social care and integration, and delivers on the Scottish Government’s commitment to increase spending by 25% over this Parliament – two years ahead of the original target.

I am in no doubt though there remains much more needed to be done.