A COUPLE from Bournemouth are walking 268 miles in three weeks to raise money for vital research into Motor Neurone Disease.

Bryan and Claire Whiting, 57 and 50 respectively, are currently in the first few days of their gruelling challenge.

The pair, who run a home maintenance business, decided to walk 268 miles over 17 days to generate donations for Motor Neurone Disease Association in memory of Bryan's dad David.

Bryan said: "All of this is in aid of MND Association. We were both aware of the disease but we never had a family member have the disease, until my dad, aged 84, was diagnosed with it in 2018.

"At age 84 he was still fit, healthy and mentally well, so it was pretty devastating for all of us when he was diagnosed. It is a devastating disease and it’s awful to see someone you love and care for pass away in that way.

"Dad lived for about two years after his diagnosis, but I felt like I hadn’t said goodbye to him properly, so this challenge is my way of remembering him. He would be really proud of us and what we’re doing."

Bryan and Claire are walking the Pennine Way trail, which will take them from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in Scotland, finishing on June 23.

Bryan said: "We started in Edale, Derbyshire on June 6. Yesterday (June 6) was a baptism of fire as we walked 17.5 miles and it was quite a steep climb out of Edale and the paths were very rugged.

"The walk is a bit easier today as it’s 11 miles. Our mileage varies every day as it depends on where we have booked our accommodation. Two of the upcoming days we will be walking 20 miles and on another day we will be walking eight miles."

Bryan and Claire's target of £2000 has already been reached, so the pair are now hoping for as many donations as possible.

Bryan said: "£2,000 was our target and I knew that after the pandemic it would be difficult asking people for donations, but we have been very lucky to have raised that amount.

"We can’t thank our friends and family enough, reaching the target has given us the encouragement to do this. Even if people just donate a pound, we will appreciate any donation."

To support Bryan and Claire, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/bryan-claires-pennine-way-challenge