A Grange-over-Sands man is embarking on an epic challenge to raise money and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease after being inspired by a friend living with the disease.
Michael Gregory will be taking part in The Montane Winter Spine event which starts on January 14 and will see him tackle a 268-mile route through the day and night in wintery conditions. He has been training for many months for the challenge and is now ready to set off on the epic adventure for charity.
Michael is doing the challenge to raise money for the MND Association and St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston in honour of his good friend Alan Towart who is living with MND.
Michael has known Alan and his family for a long time and has been blown away by his battle with the disease and the strength that they have all shown.
The Montane Winter Spine is widely regarded as Britain’s most brutal endurance race. It is a non-stop race along the Pennine Way. Beginning from Edale in Derbyshire, runners have a time limit of 168 hours to reach the village of Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders.
Michael is aiming to raise over £3,000 for the good causes and has already smashed through the halfway mark but expects the challenge to be incredibly testing and is asking for as much support as possible. This money will be used to support local people who are living with the disease and their families across the area, ensuring that no one living with the disease faces it alone.
Michael said: “I have been completely inspired by both Alan’s and his family’s attitude (Dawn and Sofia) when faced with the challenges this awful disease has presented them with.
“They have made the most of every opportunity and refused to roll over and give in. They’re incredible people with great resilience. If I can be half as strong as Alan and his family, I’ll get the job done during The Winter Spine.”
To donate, visit https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/1999/mikes-2024-winter-spine-race/
