Walking 104 miles - Leeds to Scarborough - in 4 days for MND

Most people don’t know much about MND (Motor Neurone Disease), and hopefully anyone reading this will never need to.

It is one of the cruellest and most debilitating diseases, and presently has no cure and no real treatment.

We were heartbroken when my own Mum (Sally) was diagnosed with MND. Sadly, we’ve learnt firsthand as a family just how awful this disease is, and what bravery and resolve it takes to face each new challenge it brings.

You’ll likely have seen coverage of Rob Burrow CBE’s diagnosis with MND, and how he and his good friend Kevin Sinfield were able to raise awareness and funds to research a cure and improve care for patients in Leeds (the day after his passing, construction began on The Rob Burrow MND centre).

My 8 year old nephew Jack ran 5k dressed as Santa to raise sponsorship (in a time not much slower than my own!), my sister, Sarah, swam a mile in Lake Windermere and my brother-in-law, Ben, and his friend did their own “7 in 7 challenge”, running 6 half marathons and a marathon in the same week! So I guess that means now it’s my turn…!

Whilst I don’t have the fitness super powers of Kevin Sinfield (or Ben!), I thought it was time to take on my own challenge to raise some funds. So here it is…

Over Mayday Bank holiday weekend, I will walk all 104 miles of the White Rose Way from Leeds City Square to Scarborough seafront, and will do it all in just 4 days (walking the distance of a marathon per day, cross country, for 4 days – each day a 12 hour+ walk).

Day 1: Leeds to Tadcaster – walking via Harewood and Boston Spa

Day 2: Tadcaster to Stamford Bridge – via Fulford to the south of York

Day 3: Stamford Bridge to Thornton Le Dale – via Malton

Day 4: Thornton Le Dale to Scarbough – via the North York Moors and a Chippie!

The White Rose Way is actually the route my Dad (Paul) devised and published the guidebook for – so it has a family connection too! whiteroseway.co.uk

Becky has kindly agreed to support with logistics, morale and walking most of the way with me too.

I’d be really grateful if you could sponsor me – be it 10p a mile (£10.40), 25p a mile (£26) or any other amount you can give.

The funds will be split between MND Association & Leeds Hospitals Charity who are building the MND centre in Leeds.