Late last year my best friend Ed Cooke was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in other parts of the world – a little understood disease that currently has no cure and where research is in its infancy.

His life was instantly turned upside down and since then, in concert with his many friends, I’ve been looking for ways to help him deal with this extraordinarily difficult journey. One way of doing this was to turn my anger, frustration and sadness into positive action. I decided to raise money and challenge myself at the same time.

Walking has helped me in many ways, but it now gives me the opportunity to support Ed and raise funds for the MND Association – an amazing organisation focused on improving care, funding research and campaigning for people living with or affected by this cruel disease.

My challenge is based on the 320km Camino Primitivo, the oldest of the famous Camino de Santiago (Pilgrim’s Ways). I’m completing the first 250km on specific training walks in and around London. The final 70km is in Spain with fellow walkers who are also supporting MND. This sees me arrive in Santiago di Compostela on October 5th, where Ed and other friends will join me to celebrate.

The total step count is 390,000, which is a bit of a stretch given the time frame, but I’m up for the challenge.

I’m asking for your support through messages and donations – all will be gratefully received and help keep me on track.

Updates will be posted throughout the London ‘step count’, and if anyone wants to join me for a training ‘walk’ – let me know – it can be quite lonely out there.

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, and your details are safe - they'll never sell them or send unwanted emails. Thank you again