TWO women have completed a seven day, 77km running challenge as a tribute to a friend bravely fighting motor neurone disease.

Jane Magowan and Sam Sutton finished the week-long fundraising effort in the sunshine at Moors Valley on Sunday (April 11).

It was in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, part of the national 7 in 7 challenge.

Annie Allen of Poole, whose story the Echo has chronicled in the past few years, and Jane have been friends for nearly three decades.

Annie 55, was diagnosed in 2017 and in now in a wheelchair, but was at Moors Valley to see Jane and Sam complete their feat of endurance.

Jane from Ringwood said: "Annie is one very special lady. This cruel disease affects so many people and their families. "The MNDA need all the money possible for research into possible cures to try and fight back and save lives in the future."

She added: "This has been a proper challenge but you think, oh my goodness it is nothing compared with what Annie and other MNDA sufferers go through every day.

"Things like this really change your perspective on life. She is an amazing person and is dealing with this is an absolutely incredible way."

Mrs Allen is using pioneering voicebank and eye-gaze technology to continue communicating.

She recently told the Echo via text message: “MND has robbed me of the ability to walk, talk, eat and drink. I use a power chair full time and a feeding tube for nutrition and hydration. Recently I have had to start using a ventilator overnight.”

After meeting up with Jane and Sam she wrote: "I am struggling to find the exact words to express my gratitude to these fabulous ladies on completing the 7 in 7 challenge.

"A huge thank you to both of them for giving up their holiday to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

"There is a cure out there somewhere, more government funding will help to find it."

Jane and Sam raised £1200.

Between 50-60 people are diagnosed with MND each year in Dorset.

For more see mndaassociation.org