Stephen Hawking

While speaking at the recent Motor Neurone Disease Association reception, the first wife of Stephen Hawking stated that the government needs a large overhaul of its policy for disabled people. She also suggested that money from tax-avoiding firms should be used to support those who need it, to help provide better care and supply necessary mobility aids such as adapted wheelchairs and stairlifts in homes.

However, the author claimed that she was not optimistic about any changes being made in the near future, even if the general election meant a different party came to power. Praising the support and valuable work carried out by the Motor Neurone Disease Association, she also expressed her admiration for her first husband Stephen Hawking, who she describes as the “patients’ patron” in a Guardian article.

Famous faces raising awareness of the degenerative condition

The event was hosted by Royal Princess Anne and was attended by Professor Hawking himself, as well as celebrities such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Ball and Greg Davies. All guests were said to mingle prior to dinner in the white drawing room of Buckingham Palace. Scientist Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 1964 at the age of 22 and is now currently aged 73, despite doctors suggesting he had just a few years to live.

Jane Hawking’s comments come shortly after the release of the blockbuster film, The Theory of Everything, which tells the story of the young couple’s relationship. They first met when they were Cambridge students in the early 1960s, although following marriage they later divorced when her husband achieved fame. At the Motor Neurone Disease Association’s reception, she said that she had been approached on many occasions since 2004 about the film, but repeatedly refused until the time felt right last year.

The film has since won numerous accolades, including Academy, Golden Globe and BAFTA Awards.

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