Story
In April of this year my dad Hugh was diagnosed with Motor Neurone disease. Issues had first appeared as only a small amount of pain in his legs, and a slight loss of balance. These symptoms got progressively worse over the next few years, from just a small pain we didn't think much of, to my dad having to use a powered wheelchair to get around and having trouble breathing. After a long diagnostic journey it came to the worst possible conclusion, Motor Neurone disease is degenerative, fatal, and there currently is no cure. There are no words for how we felt after we found out.
In November a group of Hugh's family and friends, myself included, are going to walk up Pen y fan on Saturday 2nd November 2024. We wish to raise money for the MND association, who have been so supportive of us. Pen y fan is the the highest peak in South Wales reaching 886 metres (2,907 ft). Our route will take us from north of the mountain near Nant Cwm Llwch, up to the peak of Corn Du then onto the Pen y fan summit. The Brecon Beacons where Pen y fan is located, is an area that is hugely loved by our family and my dad, so it seems a very fitting place to raise money for an incredible cause, and photos will be sent to those who have supported us.
- My Dad Hugh and our dog Pepper
Please help by donating to our cause. The money raised will help to fund vital research and help support people and families living with MND right now, everything raised will go to the South East Wales Branch. Donations of all sizes help no matter how small. If you can't donate at this time share this just giving page with others! Friends, family, colleagues, vague acquaintances, strangers you've just met at the supermarket checkout, anyone will do!
Here's some words from my dad:
"I live in the beautiful Monmouthshire countryside with my wife Sally, our border terrier Pepper and our cat Tigger. I used to love walking over the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons and have climbed Pen y fan several times in the past. I also used to do a lot of cycling, both road and off-road, I did some road time trialing and various all day Off Road races, and rode the 2007 Etape du Tour, the amateur version of the Tour de France queen (hardest) stage. I now have Motor Neurone Disease, so am unable to do this any more. I worked for Boeing Defence UK, ending up as chief engineer for a large program, which was a very enjoyable job, and more important than ever, after Mr. Putin's adventure in Ukraine." - Hugh Stewart
The walking team!
Olivia Rachman, Helen Pemberton, Richard Pemberton, Mark Russell, Veronica Russell, Sarah Egerton-Warburton, Christopher Egerton-Warburton, Robert Boileau.
More about MND and the MND Association
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a rare disease affecting around 5000 people in the UK at any one time with 6 people diagnosed per day, messages from the motor neurones gradually stop reaching the muscles. This leads the muscles to weaken, stiffen and waste, which can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. It is fatal and there currently is no cure.
The MND Association focus on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. By sponsoring us your money will help people affected by Motor Neurone Disease. Once you donate, JustGiving will send your money directly to the MND Association. You can learn more about the MND association here: https://www.mndassociation.org/
Thank you again.
- Alice Stewart