Rugby legends inspire Cumbrian 100 mile challenge

The courage and determination shown in the face of an MND diagnosis by rugby legends Rob Burrow MBE, the late Doddie Weir, and most recently Ed Slater, inspired ex professional rugby player John Newell and seven of his friends and neighbours to raise funds and awareness.

John, whose career spanned ten years, including a stint at Workington Town and Carlisle Border Raiders, was inspired to walk from his home in Prospect, Aspatria to Blackpool Tower. He, along with his fellow Prospect residents nicknamed the Prospect Proclaimers, whose ages range from 13 to 66, set off along the 100 mile route on 29 March completing the challenge in less than five days.

John said: “A few of us watched a TV programme about Rob and Doddie. I have known an ex-teammate who died from MND, so we just wanted to do something to help.” Completing the challenge, John said: It was a hard walk but an experience none of us will forget. There was so much support and goodwill along the way. One day, when we’d been walking for 11 hours and everyone’s feet were sore and blistered, Gary McKee – the marathon runner who ran a marathon