My wonderful friend Claire has had her world turned upside down by a cruel and unfair diagnosis: Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Claire is 46 years old — and she is loved beyond words. She is a devoted wife to Matthew and an incredible mum to her beautiful daughters, Evangeline and Emelia. But Claire is so much more than that — she’s the best friend anyone could wish for, a beloved sister, a caring aunty, a loving daughter, and a wonderful cousin.

Claire has always dedicated her life to others — as a passionate head teacher at a local primary school, she inspired hundreds of children every day with her kindness, strength, and belief in every child’s potential. She has just had to step away from her dream job because of this brutal disease.

MND is relentless — it takes away so much, so quickly. Right now there is no cure, but there is hope through research, better care, and more awareness. I can’t fix this for Claire — none of us can — but I can do something to honour her strength and keep fighting in her name.

So I’m taking on 12 hikes in 12 months — one every month for a year — to raise funds for vital MND research and support. I will walk for Claire, for everyone living with MND, and for the hope that one day this disease can be stopped.

Every mile I walk is for Claire’s legacy — for her daughters, for her family, and for all the families who will face this in the future. I’ll be taking on one hike every month for a whole year — 12 hikes in 12 months — no matter the weather! Each walk will be a chance to honour Claire’s strength and raise vital funds for MND research. If anyone would like to join me on any of these hikes, you are more than welcome — whether you walk one mile or the whole route, your support and company would mean the world. I will completing my first walk in August, completing the Saltburn to Marske 10km walk. Let me know if you would like to join me.

If you can spare anything at all, please donate — every pound brings us closer to treatments and, one day, a cure. And if you can’t donate, please share Claire’s story — that alone helps more than you know.

Claire, this is for you. I love you so much, we all do!

Thank you for reading and supporting.

Gill xxx

Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page supporting the MND Association. 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 me your money will help people affected by Motor Neurone Disease. Once you donate, JustGiving will send your money 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 again