For years my former colleague Andrew Hartley reported the news as a correspondent for the BBC.

In December 2025 the story suddenly became his own when he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

Now many of us who once worked with Andrew in BBC newsrooms across the North East and Cumbria are joining forces with his friends and family to take on a relay along the length of Hadrian's Wall over the weekend of the 5th, 6th and 7th of June 2026 - running and walking mile by mile to support the work of the MND Association.

Your support will help fund vital research and provide care and support for people living with MND and their families. If you can donate, it would mean a great deal to me and to everyone taking part.

Sponsor me on here and your money will change the lives of people affected by motor neurone disease.

I’m walking the first leg from Bowness on Solway and will join the final leg too.

JustGiving will send your donation directly to the MND Association.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure – your details are safe, they’ll never sell them or send unwanted emails.

Thank you.