My fundraising challenge to support my son and daughter-in-law

Having learnt about multiple sclerosis and the impact it has on the lives of his family, Keith chose to take on his own fundraising challenge. Instead of putting his feet up with a slice of cake, Keith walked 85 miles to celebrate his 80th birthday and raise money for the MS Trust.

My son and his wife both live with multiple sclerosis. Through them, my wife and I have learnt much about the condition and how it affects their daily life. Over the years we have become great supporters of the MS Trust because we have seen the many ways it supports people with MS and their families.

On 29 March 2021 I became 80 years old. In celebration of my birthday, being well and reasonably fit, I wanted to challenge myself physically in order to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis and, at the same time, collect donations for the MS Trust. I enjoy walking so I set myself a challenge of walking 80km within four weeks.

My wife and I live in Jersey so I decided that each walk should be circular over a distance of no more than 10km. The walks were to take place in different parts of the island and have points of interest such as being scenic, nature focused or historic. My wife accompanied me on most of the walks, acting as supporter, encourager and photographer. I posted summaries of the walks with photographs on Facebook and received local publicity through a Jersey news publication and also a local magazine.

To collect donations, I opened a JustGiving Page and am pleased to say, that as soon as I began to publicise the walks, donations started to come in. Within 10 days I had already completed 80km. So inspired by my son, who was drumming up great interest and support among his ‘Many Scars’ Facebook group in Norfolk, the new challenge became ‘keep donating and I keep walking’. 

Having undertaken the first walk just before my birthday on 23 March, I concluded the challenge on 23 April. I am pleased to say that the target of 80km was well and truly smashed. The total distance covered was 137km, which equates to 85 miles. Of more importance, 111 donations have been made amounting to a staggering total of £3,152. I have been overwhelmed by people’s support and generosity!

If Keith’s story has inspired you to take on your own challenge for the MS Trust, please get in touch by emailing fundraising@mstrust.org.uk.