This Sunday at noon, Swindon’s Lydiard Park will host the “Walk to D’Feet,” a 5 km fundraising event dedicated to raising money for the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
The event, organised by the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire branches of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), follows the same wheelchair-accessible route as the popular Park Run, ensuring inclusivity for all participants.
The entry fee for the walk is a £10 donation, which includes a free T-shirt, and the money raised will be split between Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. These funds will be used to provide grants to local sufferers and to support ongoing research into finding a cure for this devastating disease. Organisers are keen to emphasise that it’s not too late to register, encouraging those interested to contact them via phone or email.
Over the past five years, awareness of MND has grown considerably, thanks in part to the efforts of high-profile sports figures like Rob Burrow, Kevin Sinfield, and Doddie Weir. Their public battles with the disease have shed light on its debilitating effects, leading to increased public support and fundraising. A poignant example of this awareness can be seen in a video of Rugby star Rob Burrow’s final message before his death earlier this year, which has been widely shared on social media.
Motor Neurone Disease remains a relentless and unforgiving illness, with around 6,000 people in the UK registered as living with the disease at any one time. Graham Powell, Chair of the Gloucestershire branch of MNDA, highlighted the stark realities: “Sadly, every day six people are newly diagnosed with MND, but six people also die from MND. Although the numbers remain the same, it masks the heartbreak for nearly 2,200 families every year.”
The statistics are sobering, with one-third of those diagnosed dying within the first year, and 50% within the second. Surviving beyond five years is rare, making cases like that of Professor Stephen Hawking, who lived with a slow-progressing form of MND for 55 years, particularly extraordinary.
Participants in the Walk to D’Feet will not only contribute to a worthy cause but will also enjoy the amenities of Lydiard Park, which offers ample parking, two cafés, and children’s play areas, including an adventure trail for teens. Lydiard House and its surrounding woods, with a large lake, provide a scenic backdrop for the day, while the Conference Centre’s restaurant is available for those wishing to book a Sunday lunch.
The event promises to be a meaningful day out for the whole family, combining a chance to enjoy Swindon’s beautiful parkland with the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by MND.
For those unable to attend but wishing to support the cause, donations can be made directly to the MNDA via their JustGiving page.
