On Friday, 27th July, myself and my good friend and colleague Nick Dickson are going on a charity walk from Long Bennington in Lincolnshire to Crosby in Liverpool.

The reason for this madness? To raise money for The Lily Grace Trust – the fund set up to help my daughter Lily enjoy life to the best of her ability, in an environment that is safe and secure.

We plan to cover the 160 mile distance in 8 days.

Lily is an amazing 16 year old who was diagnosed with Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy when she was just three. This is a progressive condition for which there is currently no cure. Lily walked up until shortly after she was diagnosed and has been confined to a wheelchair for the last 12 years.

Lily never complains about her condition or the problems it inevitably causes her. She recently completed her GCSEs at Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School.

Our aim is to raise money so that Lily can start using these-www.tryb4ufly.co.uk/content/hire-service Lily has the dream of being able to fly to see the world – with Paris and New York top of her destination wish list!

There is also the on-going running costs associated with Lily’s equipment:- Powerchair insurance and maintenance. Lily’s chair is EVERYTHING when it comes to mobility. Running costs are expensive and it currently needs a full service and several repairs that we are struggling to fund.

- Through floor lift insurance and maintenance. This ace piece of kit enables Lily to access her second floor bedroom where she can relax and entertain friends. Again the yearly insurance and running costs are mounting and parts are expensive.

- Monthly repayments and maintenance of family car adaptations. The ramp adaptations were essential for us to be able to transfer Lily in her powerchair.

That’s to name but three.

Nick and I really do appreciate you reading this far and thank you for your support.

For more info about UCMD please click here:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/muscular-dystrophy/

Yours, channelling his inner Ian Botham,

Foaty