In May I will be climbing seven mountains in seven days in the Lake District to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.

Last year a very good friend of mine, Michael, who I knew for nearly forty years fell victim to this terrible disease.

Michael began to slur his speech and experience loss of coordination in early 2024 and was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease on the 12th March. The onset of the symptoms and the reduction of his quality of life were extremely rapid.

Despite a courageous fight, Michael inevitably succumbed to MND and died four months to the day from his diagnosis on the 12th July.

He didn’t live to celebrate his Wife’s 60th Birthday on the 14th July.

He didn’t live to celebrate his Son’s 21st Birthday on the 28th July.

He didn’t live to attend his elder daughter’s wedding on the 25th July.

He did however manage to walk his daughter down the aisle at a private family ceremony arranged at short notice in April. This was one of the last times Michael walked as he was confined to a wheelchair a few weeks later.

I would like to ask you to donate any amount, nothing is too small, to help the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association make the future brighter for those who will contract this disease.