As this year marks the tenth anniversary since Jolyon’s mum Louise passed away from motor neurone disease (MND), Jolyon, Aaron and Jordan will be braving wintery conditions to scale the highest mountain in North Africa in aid of the charity that did so much for Louise and her family throughout their battle with MND.

The trek starts at the base of the valley near Marrakesh before moving up to the higher passes and summiting two of the highest mountains in the Atlas range, culminating in our ascent of Mount Toubkal at an eye watering 4167m four days later. To add to the challenge, we decided to take this on during winter! Ice axes and crampons may be required on the steep slopes as we contend with heavy snow, strong winds and temperatures well below zero. None of us have embarked on anything like this before, and despite getting plenty of training in beforehand it’s going to be a steep learning curve (no pun intended).

MNDA is a charity that focuses both on research and on family/patient support during the difficult times they endure after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. MND is a degenerative muscle and motor function disease that ultimately renders somebody unable to function (eat, move, talk and ultimately breathe). Having first hand experience, Jolyon knows how hard this disease is to live with, not only for the sufferer but for the immediate family too. MNDA provided vital support to her family during Louise’s battle, fighting for the care that she and her family needed (support nurses, access to hospice care, financial support and more); arranging access to world-leading medical treatment and trials; donating equipment to improve Louise’s quality of life, including a wheelchair and stairlift, and providing education and support throughout for those close to Louise who were also enduring this horrendous disease.

Your support is hugely valued and appreciated by us and by MNDA. It will certainly keep us going when we’re on our last legs as we near the summit! We’ll be organising some fundraising events throughout the year, so keep your eyes peeled! Thank you.