Motor Neuron Disease

Kevin Talbot qualified in medicine from the University of London and trained in neurology in London and Oxford. He established the Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Care and Research Centre and leads a multidisciplinary team focussed on the care of patients with MND. His research laboratory is investigating the molecular and cellular basis of motor neuron degeneration using model systems with the ultimate aim of developing better therapies. The clinic team also participates in clinical trials and genetic and biomarker studies.

Martin Turner qualified in Medicine from Cambridge University & St George's Hospital Medical School London in 1995. He trained in neurology at The National Hospital for Neurology, Queen Square, London as a Senior House Officer and in the Oxford Deanery as a Specialist Registrar. His PhD, at King's College London, was awarded for clinical research into Motor Neuron Disease (MND). This project involved ligand positron emission tomography (PET), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain in sporadic and familial cases of MND. His on-going research is aimed at identifying biomarkers for the disease process using the latest MRI techniques and analysis of spinal fluid across a range of different MND patient groups.

Rachael Marsden qualified as a nurse in 1987. For almost 18 years she worked at Ritchie Russell House - a young disabled unit, where she gained extensive experience in the management of complex disability. Her work on the care pathways and experience of people with disabilities in hospital has been published in the British Medical Journal and elsewhere. Her role as coordinator of the MND Care Centre in Oxford, initially a 2-year secondment, has been so challenging both personally and professionally that Rachael has continued. She has a BA (Hons) degree in Rehabilitation and has nearly completed an MSc in Rehabilitation Medicine.


Rachel Botell qualified from St George's Hospital Medical School, London in 1998 and trained in rehabilitation medicine in Oxford. During specialist registrar training she developed a particular interest in Motor Neurone Disease and the holistic management of people living with MND. Dr Botell was a member of the MND care centre team in Oxford between 2005 and 2008. Following a locum consultant post in community neurological rehabilitation in 2008 she took up her current post as Specialist in Neurorehabilitation at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.