Nurses’ marathon for Motor Neurone

Community staff nurse Julie Sala inspired her colleagues and their families and friends to do the walk after they heard about her voluntary work with the association. She nursed her late husband, Santo, when he developed the condition until he died, aged 39.

Julie and her team walked 28 miles in glorious late September sunshine, arriving at Colne health centre at 6pm after an 8am start in Preston.

“We had no idea we would make so much,” said Julie. “When it started there were just a few of us, and we hoped to have a target of £1,000. It just grew. Eighteen of us walked, and we had a back-up crew with support vehicles and treatment for blisters.”

The nurses handed over their cheque to Maddie Parkinson and Judith Schmuhl of the Central and East Lancs branch of the MND association.

Added Julie: “It was such a good day. I’d like to thank each and everyone involved behind the scenes and on the day. We are so grateful to everyone who donated and has taken us way beyond our original aim to a staggering £5,000, and we were so proud to be able to present the amazing amount to a very worthwhile cause.”