A voice is more than just a means of speaking. It’s a way to share our identity. Our emotions. And the very essence of our humanity. And it’s one of the cruelest things Motor Neurone Disease steals from those diagnosed with it.
How it all began-
In 2022, Stuart Moss, Rolls Royce and a team of technologists and creatives set out to stress the importance of banking your voice for people living with MND.
The result was the book “I Will Always Be Me.”
This powerful story allowed people with MND to gently explain to their loved ones what this disease was all about and the challenges they would be facing. But more importantly, when read out loud on www.iwillalwaysbeme.com, it captured all the necessary words and sounds needed to let them bank their voice in a matter of minutes, not months.
In 2024, to further support those in the MND community and to promote the importance of voice banking, Stuart and his team partnered with renowned artist Sara Pope to create a custom lip portrait. Her subject was Yvonne: a woman currently living with Motor Neuron Disease.
Over a series of months, Sara and Yvonne worked together to create a powerful painting that captured Yvonne’s unconquerable joy as well as the exuberant spirit of her voice. It was a process neither of them would ever forget.
On February 28th, 2025, the painting was auctioned at the “Weir Dancing for Doddie” Gala at the P&J Live arena in Aberdeen, Scotland. This exclusive, black-tie affair was held to raise funds for MND charities and attracted over 700 attendees.
When Sara’s painting was presented to the audience, both Sara and Yvonne were welcomed on stage. And Sara talked about the importance of her piece and what it meant to the MND community. It was a powerful and emotional moment for all.
By the end of evening, this portrait was sold for £15,500 – the highest amount bid for any piece. And Sara graciously donated all proceeds to MND research.
