Hi,

The 50 fights were completed last night. Unfortunately at the end of fight 11 I tore my calf muscle and after advice was unable to continue. The fighters who had joined me last night, took over and continued the fights, completing all 50. I hope this is ok with you all. Your response in donations and encouraging messages has been overwhelming. Myself and Mark can’t thank each and every one of you enough.

Special thanks to The Valerie Brown School of Dance for the use of their hall; to Eddie Hart for suspending karate training for the night to let the event take place and collecting donation; to Ian Richardson for his totally unbiased refereeing lol; to my good lady for timekeeping and my friend Stewart for the photos, and to all of the maddies with injuries, plastic hips or other ailments that got on the floor to complete the challenge.

Mark joined us throughout the event and had a laugh at the good natured but competitive fights that took place. The fight goes on for a cure.

My good friend Mark Sommerville and his young family were given the devastating news in 2023 that Mark had Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Mark continues to battle the disease bravely, and has fought hard for government support to tackle the disease. He has taken the cause to the highest level of government. This March he spoke with Ministers of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood.

The Mark Sommerville Foundation provides support to others living with MND, and runs various fundraising activities.

Last year I was supported during a fundraising cycle of the Hebridean Way I did with my friend Ian Shields. The response was fantastic and the support given was gratefully received by myself, Mark and the Foundation. Mark continues his fight, and as someone who has trained in karate for 50 years I thought it appropriate that this year I fight for him. It's a traditional karate challenge. Fight 50 black belts one after the other..1 minute bouts. Trust me...as a pensioner it won't be easy!.. Any donations will be very much appreciated as we fight hard for a cure to this devastating disease.

thank you

Alex