£7,000 raised for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in 20km fundraiser walk

More than 30 people walked 20 kilometres from Hungerford to Thatcham in the sunshine at the weekend to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Dee Gunning and Trudy Churcher, two carers who work for Care Partners (Newbury) Ltd, organised the walk in honour of their client Colin Wilkes, a Thatcham resident who lives with motor neurone disease (MND).

The 20k walk on Sunday (May 22) has currently raised £7,000 for the MND Association’s Reading and West Berkshire Branch, which supports people with MND in the area.

Mr Wilkes said: “It was a fantastic day. Dee and Trudy have worked tirelessly to make the day go well and raised so much money for the MND Association’s local branch supporting people with MND in West Berkshire.

“Thanks to all the walkers who battled through a hot day to complete the course and to my friend Tim who helped me take part in the day.”

The route of the 20km walk began in Hungerford, went along the Kennet and Avon Canal, and finished at Thatcham Town Football Club’s Waterside Park.

Mrs Gunning and Mrs Churcher thanked Newbury’s Teashop by the Canal, which provided refreshments for the walkers, and Reading Sea Cadets who helped set up the marquee at the start and finish.

Mrs Gunning added: “We did it and are very proud of everyone who took part. Thank you to all our supporters who kept us going – now we need to rest our weary feet!”

Mrs Gunning’s son George Futcher was the first walker to cross the finish line on Sunday and receive a medal from Colin’s daughter Louise Brown.

He was soon followed by Panda Phelan and Helen Walsh who were walking in support of Ms Phelan’s mum, Linda Wells, who is living with MND. Ms Phelan, who collected £1,170 in sponsorship, said: “I will do anything I can to help.”

Motor neurone disease is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves and severely impacts muscle activity. Unfortunately, no cure has been discovered for the disease, but with the right care and treatment, symptoms can be managed to help those with MND lead a fulfilling life.

The MND Association aims to improve the care and support received by people with MND, their carers and their families.