Story
We are challenging ourselves to complete 100 miles throughout March to raise awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
MND is a devastating condition that progressively affects the brain and nerves, impacting movement, speech and independence. There is currently no cure.
As colleagues at British Bakels, Gemma, Emma, Jenni, Natalia, Rea, Lindsey, Victoria, Greg, Youssef, Steven, Sarah, Katie and Bernie are coming together to support a cause that needs greater visibility and understanding.
Our colleague Lindsey has personal experience with MND so she is doing this challenge for her friend:
I am taking part in the challenge because I lost a close friend to MND a few years ago. He had an amazing positive attitude, and he always brought a smile to people's faces with his wicked sense of humour. The March challenge is also a chance to embrace the lighter evenings and get some fresh air!
Natalia wants to raise awareness and appreciate the things we sometimes take for granted:
This March, I’m taking part in the 100 Miles in March challenge to support Team Bakels in raising funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
I’m an active person, and I’m incredibly grateful that I can get up and walk every single day without thinking twice about it. Being able to move, exercise, go outside, and live independently is something I’ve always taken for granted. But for people living with Motor Neurone Disease, those simple, everyday movements gradually become impossible.
It’s hard to imagine losing the ability to walk, talk, or even carry out basic daily tasks. Taking on 100 miles this month is my way of appreciating the ability I have, while standing in support of those who are facing that reality. Every mile is a reminder not to take movement for granted — and to help raise funds and awareness for a cause that truly matters.
For Rea, it's about making even the smallest difference:
I joined this challenge because I want to raise awareness for MND. While I don't have personal experience with MND, my dad did lose his ability to walk due to cancer attacking his motor cortex, which controls movement. I saw how devastating it is to lose control of your own body so to be able to walk, run and move is not something I take for granted.
If taking on this challenge helps raise even a bit of awareness or brings in even the smallest donation, it will be meaningful to me. Every contribution is important, and if my steps can play even a small part in supporting people living with MND and their families, then I’ve achieved exactly what I'd set out to do.
Our SLT member Gemma wants to challenge herself while doing it for a great cause:
I was committed to joining in with one of the fundraisers for MND this year, but I am not an athlete & you are not throwing me out of a plane(!), so walking is the way forward! On paper 100 miles doesn’t seem like a massive amount, but committing to 3 miles a day is going to be a challenge & I am looking forward to it. Little & often is going to be the only way I manage this – walking at lunch and late at night once the children are in bed! Will happily take some podcast recommendations to keep me going.
Our other SLT member Emma, believes this challenge will not only raise awareness, but connect the team as well:
I’ve decided to take on the MDN 100 Miles in March challenge because it supports a great cause and gives me a proper nudge to get moving. Walking is so good for my health and my headspace, and it’s a great excuse to spend more time outdoors and reconnect with nature.
Plus, it’s a fun way for our team to get closer—cheering each other on and sharing the journey together. It feels like a win all round.
Our colleague Jenni loves a good challenge while doing it for a great cause:
I just enjoy being roped into a challenge, especially when for charity. Walking is something we can all do, but it is a nice bonus to raise money for such a worthwhile and great cause.
Victoria wants to improve quality of life of people with MND:
I wanted to join the Bakels team effort to raise money for charity. Prior to Bakels choosing MND as a charity I had only heard snippets about it in the news, media and during studies. However, reading more it is clear that supporting funding to better understand MND and hopefully improve treatments and delay/prevent onset is a brilliant cause that I am very happy to get my running shoes on for.
Greg felt compelled to help after he learnt more about MND:
I didn't have much of an awareness of MND, but reading some of the background I felt impelled to join the challenge. Sat at a desk 40hr a week, sat in a car for 10hr a week, sat on the sofa for xx hr a week, it's a kick up the backside to remember that walking, cycling, running isn't a movement that everyone can enjoy. A great chance to make a habit change, for a great cause.
Sarah wants to raise awareness and funds to support people with MND:
I have joined the 100 miles for MND challenge to help raise money for a fantastic cause whilst spending more time outdoors at the same time!
For Youssef, it's about doing his part in supporting people with MND:
I’m taking part in 100 Miles in March to support the MND Association because I want to help raise awareness and vital funds for people living with this devastating disease. It’s also the chosen charity for British Bakels this year, so I’m committed to doing my part to support their work and research
Bernie believes in supporting the right cause while keeping active
It is a great thing to raise awareness and money for a worthwhile cause, and if I can do it by moving, all the better!
Every mile we walk is dedicated to those living with MND, to their families, and to the ongoing work towards better support, treatments and hope for the future. Your encouragement and donations mean the world. Thank you for helping us make each step count.