TWO patients with a debilitating degenerative disease have spoken of their hope for a cure.

Ann Payne, 63, from Chinnor, and David Thomas, 64, from Didcot, have motor neurone disease and are taking part in pioneering research at the Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Care Centre at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

They spoke as the Princess Royal attended the inaugural lecture yesterday of a new post at Oxford University aimed at driving research into the condition. She met patients including the Oxfordshire pair after the talk.

Mrs Payne, who was diagnosed with the condition in February after coming down with ‘flu’ that did not get better, said: “It’s very interesting that they are so hopeful of being able to start this long process of finding a cure or an idea of what kicks the disease off.

“I do feel confident that they will and am very happy to be involved in the research.”

Formerly a lunchtime supervisor at Mill Lane School, in Chinnor, she said it had been difficult to come to terms with her condition as she was always “active and talkative”.

About 150 new motor neurone disease patients are seen with the incurable disease at the Oxford centre every year – the second largest clinic in the UK.

Roughly half those diagnosed with the condition die within 14 months, while the average life expectancy is between two and five years.

Mr Thomas, a former AWE Aldermaston employee who completed a masters in First World War studies since diagnosis two years ago, has lost the use of his arms and legs.

He said: “It is marvellous to be involved in the research. They work hard all the time. It’s good to see they are doing something.”

Prof Kevin Talbot, who set up the MND centre in 2002, is the new chairman of motor neurone biology at the university, part funded by the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Spinal Muscular Atrophy Trust.

Princess Anne is patron of the association, and spoke in support of the work carried out in Oxford.

Prof Talbot told the audience of invited guests at the university’s medical sciences teaching building in South Parks Road that new developments were happening all the time.

Princess Anne said: “Clinician scientists like Professor Talbot answer basic questions such as how motor neurones degenerate, always accompanied by the question how do we stop that from happening.

“I think anyone who has taken part in research should feel proud of the results.”